Nearly half (47%) of all shoppers are expected to grab a bargain on Black Friday as analysts predict it will become an annual fixture.
Black Friday – a 24-hour Sales bonanza that originally started in the US – has attracted more UK retailers in recent years and this year will involve the likes of Sainsbury’s and Hobbs for the first time as they look to grab a slice of Black Friday shopping mania.
Women are expected to be leading the rush this Black Friday, with 61% of female customers planning to make a purchase, according to research by Verdict Retail.
The survey found that 25 to 34-year-olds are the most likely age group to splash out during the event with 59% hoping to bag a bargain this year.
However, the event appeals less to mature shoppers, with just 28% of those over 65 likely to make a purchase.
Verdict said that it expects Black Friday to boost not only electricals retailers but also clothing and footwear businesses.
It beleives the event will become a permanent fixture in the UK retail calendar as consumer expectation and demand continues to grow.
Verdict analyst Kate Ormrod said: “With many shoppers still not prepared to pay full price, resulting in high levels of shopping around, providing unbeatable discounts and unique offers will prove crucial on Black Friday 2014 to seize consumer spend.
“Given the challenges faced by many in the UK retail sector this year, Black Friday will also prove useful for many clothing and footwear players left with high levels of winter stock such as knitwear, outwear and accessories, following the unseasonably warm autumn.”
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