Independent retailers across the UK are taking a stand against Black Friday, refusing to engage in steep discounting.
- The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) reports that 70% of UK independents are boycotting Black Friday this year.
- Rising operational costs and economic pressures are major factors influencing retailers’ decisions to avoid Black Friday sales.
- Many independent retailers believe that Black Friday negatively impacts the high street’s health, with 75.4% agreeing it’s detrimental.
- Retailers like Hall Street Ladieswear and Black White Denim are promoting thoughtful shopping experiences as alternatives.
Independent retailers in the UK remain resolute in their decision to abstain from Black Friday markdowns, even as major brands entice consumers with significant discounts. According to the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), a striking 70% of UK independents are resisting the pull of Black Friday, primarily due to escalating operational expenses and other economic challenges faced by small businesses.
In a marked increase from last year, 75.4% of retailers surveyed expressed concerns that Black Friday is having an adverse effect on the high street, citing issues such as unfair competition and price wars that strain their already tight margins. Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO, highlighted that many independent businesses simply can’t afford to reduce prices further without jeopardising their financial viability.
Sean Garnham, owner of Hall Street Ladieswear in Suffolk, is among those voicing staunch opposition. He candidly conveyed his sentiments via email, stating, “We do not have Black Friday at Hall Street. We also do not have algorithms following your moves online, in the name of customer service.” Garnham attributes the avoidance of Black Friday participation to his belief in fostering genuine customer relationships and providing value beyond mere price cuts.
Similarly, Black White Denim in Wilmslow crafted an alternative celebration termed “White Friday,” offering an enriching shopping experience with free drinks, styling sessions, and exclusive dinners. This approach serves not only as a stand against the consumerism typically associated with Black Friday but also as a method to cultivate loyal customer relationships.
Others, like Deryane Tadd, owner of The Dressing Room in St Albans, prefer to sidestep the consequential messaging endemic to Black Friday. While Tadd admits to offering modest discounts during a concurrent Christmas event, the focus remains on themed activities and a positive shopping atmosphere rather than mere price reductions.
The sentiment echoed by retailers like Apee Bhutani Jacquier, co-owner of DAY Boutique in Peckham, illustrates the broader frustration within the independent sector. Her social media expression describes Black Friday as a challenging period for small businesses, yet one wherein they persist to offer ‘beautiful, thoughtful things.’
Peter Enderbury of Enderbury’s Outfitters in Oakham remarks on the misalignment of Black Friday with their business ethos, citing it as symbolic of the high street’s problems — fast fashion and unnecessary consumption. Enderbury affirms a commitment to providing quality products and service without succumbing to fleeting sales trends.
Darren Hoggett from J&B Menswear in Norwich critiques Black Friday as the industry’s worst creation, lamenting its dilution of significant sale periods like post-Christmas events. Hoggett’s perspective underscores a widespread desire for a return to more meaningful trading periods, away from the aggressive discounting pressures of November.
Independent retailers uphold their integrity and foster customer loyalty by choosing sustainable practices over Black Friday discounts.
