A rare red weather warning may be the culprit for Sheffield’s Black Friday streets being deserted this morning, according to a shopping centre manager. 

But, when we spoke to shoppers, many were unaware that the Met Office had issued any kind of weather alert.

Amanda Phillips, The Moor Centre Manager, said: “It was quiet first thing due to the weather forecast. I think some people will be put off coming into the city.”

The red warning means there is potentially a risk to life, and was issued to North Yorkshire, but is expected to spread further across the North of England.

Mrs Phillips said they have used social media to promote Black Friday offers in The Moor and its businesses. 

Al Bermawi, manager at Moor Perfume, said The Moor needed to do more for the independent shops. 

He said: “Customer habits are hard to change. But, the whole Moor market management should encourage people to shop in small local businesses.”

Research has shown that shoppers may be more inclined to shop online, rather than in person, this year.