Shoppers will be treating themselves to Black Friday bargains today rather than bagging Christmas gifts for family and friends.
Research from Hammerson, which has a nationwide portfolio of shopping centres and retail parks, reveals that 73 per cent of shoppers are planning to make a personal purchase, with almost half of those (45 per cent) placing a fashion item at the top of their wish list.
Also in demand are tech items and gadgets, wanted by 27 per cent of Black Friday bargain hunters, and watches, handbags and accessories cited by 11 per cent.
When it comes to spending, the figures show that 25 per cent of us are planning to splash out £500 or more on discounted items, with over half expecting to find at least 50 per cent reductions on coveted goods.
Many shopping centres are extending their opening hours to take advantage of the US phenomenon which is becoming firmly established in British retail culture. Others are holding special events to mark the occasion.
Discussing the findings of the survey, Martin Plocica, Hammerson’s director of UK shopping centres, said: “Over the past couple of years, Black Friday has made its way over to the UK and, this year, we expect it to be bigger than ever, marking the start of the festive shopping period. Across the entire Hammerson portfolio, retailers will have fantastic deals on offer.
“Our research shows that, despite Christmas being the season for giving, people are using the good value offers available on Black Friday as an excuse to treat themselves, and we anticipate shoppers will be making the most of the discounts across technology, electronics, fashion and accessories.”
The survey involved 3,400 shoppers across Hammerson’s estate, which includes Birmingham’s Bullring, Bristol’s Cabot Circus and the Brent Cross shopping centre.
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