Young Reporter: Black Friday. Friend or Foe?

The Black Friday fever has hit UK stores. The phenomenon derives from the US, celebrated the day after Thanksgiving. Ultimately, it marks the start of the most eminent holiday season. Millions of citizens gather to their nearest shopping centres in the hopes of grabbing a bargain in time for Christmas.

There has been mass speculation of the origins of this event due to its title, ‘Black’ Friday. Some say that the term dates back to slavery, whereby plantation owners would buy slaves at a discounted price, to help stock up for winter duties, such as cutting wood and stacking fire. Others argue that the term is used as reference to a financial crisis like the stocks that fell calamitously in 1869 and Black Tuesday, 1929. Which one is the truth? You decide.

Retailers collectively see an upsurge in sales, with the hopes of drawing in the masses. In 2004, Amazon was the first to adopt the US event. This year they saw sales of up to 60%, particularly on electronic goods.

The London borough of Greenwich gave way to numerous sales on clothing items as well as electricals. With the likes of River Island showcasing up to 40% of sales and New Look rising to 50%.

The shopping frenzy has been estimated a rise of 22% from the previous year. How will Black Friday live up to its competitor, Boxing Day? Boxing Day has become a tradition, which embarked over £2.7 billion spending spree in 2013. Every year Boxing Day brings retailers new customers. Last year saw a significant rise in foreign visitors. Middle Eastern, African and Chinese buyers were amongst the high end designers stores. Only time will tell, whether Black Friday can mount up to Boxing Day’s success, or just be another corporate event aimed at getting people to spend above their means. Black Friday perpetuated customers to be violent, just to apprehend sale items.

High Street stores were not alone in joining in with Black Friday antics. The luxury designer outlet, Bicester Village, has opted to drop their prices. Shopper Kimberley May, 21, who travelled from West London with her friends, says ‘Even though we had to queue up for shops, it was definitely worth it. Especially as students, we can really benefit from these affordable prices.’ Sharan Hugh, 31, says ‘I hope it’s even better next year!’ This view will certainly be supported all over the nation, as the experience has given Britons a reason to cash out. An increase in advertising for Black Friday will surely boost its success, all there is to do now is to wait for next year’s stampede. Start saving.

Anthea Penet, Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School