Black Friday flops (but sales are still going on)

BLACK Friday flopped on the High Street as British shoppers refused to buy into the hype around the imported American event.

So-called ‘like for like’ sales of non-food products – everything from toys to fashion and electricals – fell 3 per cent in November compared to last year, British Retail Consortium figures show.

And despite Black Friday being marketed as a one-day opportunity, stores including Debenhams and Currys PC World continue to offer festive promotions.

The event this year took place on November 24. But rather than being drawn into a spending spree, Britons are typically only making a purchase after thorough research and on a real bargain.

Many opted to shop online but even the increase in non-food internet sales was modest at 6.5 per cent – up on last November but slower growth than previous months. Food sales helped achieve an overall increase in retail spending of 0.6 per cent on last year.