Independent retailers are navigating Black Friday with varied strategies.
- Tiffany Moore of Renes Fashion embraces Black Friday, albeit with reduced discounts.
- Spoiled Life in St Andrews hosts an exclusive pre-Black Friday event night on 9 November.
- ClobR and other retailers adjust their approach amid economic fluctuations.
- Some, like Maison SL and The Go-To, firmly resist Black Friday, favouring regular sales cycles.
With Black Friday approaching on 29 November, independent retailers are employing diverse strategies. Tiffany Moore, of Renes Fashion in Lancaster, highlights the role of Black Friday sales in attracting customers, albeit with toned-down discounts compared to previous years. “We try to do it because we feel that we should be complying,” she explained, stressing the competitive edge gained by participating. Moore plans a multi-day event offering loyalty points and a percentage discount, although specifics remain undecided.
Spoiled Life, a lifestyle shop in St Andrews, is hosting ‘Afterhours’ on 9 November where store-wide discounts, live music, and refreshments attract customers for a one-night-only event. It’s an event night we tend to do at the end of each season,” said manager Emma Findley, emphasising its recurring popularity among patrons.
Economic considerations drive decisions at ClobR, a boutique in Petersfield, as owner Rona McTavish cites the current fiscal climate—including changes in business rates relief—as motivation for participating in Black Friday. “We don’t normally do one but because the high street is the way it is at the moment we are trying Black Friday,” she noted.
Conversely, certain retailers opt against Black Friday, aligning with established sales patterns. Maison SL in London and Westdaw Menswear in Dorking maintain a strict sales cycle, offering discounts in July and January. These businesses argue that their select inventory and premium market position do not necessitate Black Friday participation.
The Go-To, a curated online platform, abstains from seasonal sales entirely, prioritising year-round gifting. “Gifting should never be about the deal, it’s about the thoughtfulness,” remarked owner Victoire Tardy-Joubert, reinforcing a brand ethos focused on meaningful gifting experiences.
Independent retailers’ varied approaches to Black Friday highlight the adaptability and diverse strategies within the sector.
