PAID FOR POST
Royal Mail workers have voted to strike over a dispute linked to pensions, pay and jobs.
Royal Mail said no date had been set for the strike – which will be the first postal strike since 2009 - but The Telegraph reported that it is expected to take place on 24 and 25 November - Black Friday and the day after.
Could this derail the biggest shopping day of the year?
Royal Mail handles around half the parcels delivered in the UK, so this will undoubtedly have a big impact.
However, will shoppers care that the bargains they snap up on Black Friday are delayed?
The need for speed is crucial for many online purchases. Food, ‘emergency’ buys such as washing machines, fridges, and clothes for a big night out.
The speed of delivery can be a deal-breaker for some shoppers and can drive their decision on which retailers they shop with.
But Black Friday bargains are a different kettle of fish. Goods bought on the big day are often impulse purchases bought for one reason only: to nab a bargain – and shoppers are generally prepared to wait a little longer for their goods if they know they’re getting a great deal.
Take a look of any of the flash Sales sites. Delivery on many products on the likes of Brand Alley or Secret Sales can take up to a month. And shoppers are prepared to wait.
A Black Friday postal strike isn’t ideal but if shoppers are warned in advance that their Black Friday bargains may take slightly longer to arrive, they will still buy in their droves.
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