Bumper Black Friday

★ SHOPPERS look delighted with their bags full of bargains on Black Friday.

Retailers feared the cost-ofliving crisis would affect takings from the cut-price extravaganza, but the crowds in Newcastle upon Tyne showed they had nothing to worry about.

★ Barclaycard Payments said sales were consistent with last year and potentially even higher. Boss Marc Pettican said it was “likely the feel-good factor in the run up to the World Cup” had helped.

★ He added that hospitality had also received a “boost” because of England and Wales being in the tournament.