Sheffield’s retailers have spoken out against Black Friday saying it “doesn’t make sense for them” as shoppers continue to prioritise online shopping sites over high street discounts.
Small businesses across the city have explained they feel pressure from shoppers to take part in deals and keep up with the larger national retailers such as M&S and Primark.
Isobel Stapleton, who works at Vulgar Vintage on Devonshire Street, explained because they have a predominantly student customer base they feel under pressure to have discounts.
She said: “We do like to cater to them but it’s hard to discount vintage clothes.”
Other Sheffield independent shops are choosing not to take part at all.
Assistant Manager Ryan Milner from Within Reason on Devonshire Street explained he felt no need to have a major sale, calling the day “weirdly commercial and doesn’t make a lot of sense”.
He also believes the stores involvement is unnecessary as they still expect higher footfall today due to the busy city centre.
However when SheffieldWire visited The Moor, once the focal shopping point of Sheffield city centre, at lunchtime on Black Friday the area felt quiet with no signs of busy shoppers queuing for bargains.
Instead of shopping, unenthused Sheffielders were just nipping out of work on their lunch break to grab a bite to eat, rather than spending their money buying the latest bargains.
When SheffieldWire reporters approached people in the area, shopping was the last thing on their mind.
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One such man, Paul French, 47, was aware it is Black Friday as “it’s all over TV” but he had no plans to do any shopping in The Moor.
Others explained they planned to complete their Christmas shopping using online discounts rather that run alongside Black Friday or until Cyber Monday which follows.
Emily Moon, 21, said: “Although the deals are sometimes better in store, I’ve completed my Christmas shopping online just more because it’s more convenient.”
