BUMPER BLACK FRIDAY BARGAINS

There are bumper bargains to be had this week as Black Friday fever sweeps the city ….

With Christmas around the corner and Sunderland’s shops heaving with goodies, there has never been a better time to indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

And this year’s Black Friday offers include massive savings on everything from furnishings and fashion to clothing and cosmetics.

Here, in Sunderland, we have a unique mix of bigname brands and independent shops – many of which are gearing up to take part and slashing prices on a vast range of lines.

And, with some retailers slashing prices by as much as 50 per cent this Friday (29 November), retailers across the city are hoping and expecting it to be the busiest shopping day of the festive season.

So, what can you expect?

At the Bridges, toy shop, The Entertainer, is promising savings of up to 80 per cent across a wide range of items, while New Look and Goldsmiths are cutting prices in half on selected lines.

The Body Shop is offering 30 per cent off core products and 20 per cent off the cost of all gifts and shoppers at River Island will receive a 20 per cent discount if they sign up to the store’s newsletter.

Other deals include 20 per cent off the cost of a second item at The Perfume Shop, 20 per cent off everything at stationary store, Smiggle and a £20 voucher at Superdry, valid from 1 to 24 December, for shoppers who spend £100 in store.

Elsewhere in the city, our home-grown retailers are also promising savings, with Aphrodite, at Vine Place, discounting some lines by 20 and 30 per cent.

“We’ve been very busy already in the run up to Christmas,” said the store’s Andy McKenzie, “but we always take part in Black Friday – it’s our chance to give something back to our loyal customers.”

At Holmeside, Harrison & Brown Furniture Ltd is also offering a variety of deals and discounts, while photography shop, Charles Eagles & Son at Maritime Street, will be running special offers on a wide variety of cameras, lenses and photographic accessories.

“Our offers will be running throughout this week and probably, into next,” said owner Brian Eagles, “and we hope to welcome not only existing customers but hopefully some new ones as well.”

“Our advice to shoppers is to come into the city centre early on Friday and make a day of it,” said, Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID.

“We have a huge amount happening, including our annual outdoor ice rink and, of course, Hadrian’s Tipi.

“This year it’s at the former Crowtree Leisure Centre site and it’s the perfect place in which to unwind with your shopping over a mug of hot chocolate or something a little stronger.”

For further details of the Christmas programme, visit www.christmasinsunderland.co.uk

Next week – we will be giving details of an exciting new campaign to boost business in Sunderland. Listings

• Ice Rink 21 November – 5 January 2020 Get your skates on and enjoy this frosty family experience

• Hadrian’s Tipi 21 November – 31 December Enjoy a tipple or two around the warm fires of Hadrian’s Tipi

• Festival of Light 21 November – 22 December Get ready to see the twinkling lights of Mowbray Park this Christmas

• Frozen 2 at Sunderland Empire Cinemas Step ‘Into the Unknown’ with the sequel to Disney’s smash animated hit

• Late Night Shopping 9 December – 20 December (weekdays) Grab this season’s must-haves with longer opening times at The Bridges