Let’s at least be thankful that today’s retail phenomenon, Black Friday, falls at the end of November. At this time of the year, for our industry there’s the opportunity to pause, take stock and plan for the start of the next season. There may be a few enterprising dealers who see today as a bandwagon to jump on to clear stock, but in general we are well out of it.
It has to be one of the less appealing US exports. As the States equivalent to our Boxing Day (the day after Thanksgiving), the origins are in dispute. Some say that it was a phrase coined by traffic police in US cities back in the 50s as they battled with increased traffic to the shops, others that it was the day of year when the ‘books’ of retailers went from red to black.
Whatever, the scenes last year were as though the rolling maul had been transported from Twickenham to Oxford. We really should have had the marvellous Bill McLaren commentating “They’re like demented ferrets up a wee drainpipe”.
It’s crazy, because these days, if you miss one Sale, you know damn well there will be another coming along soon after. Many retailers have apparently dipped out this year – or have they? Black Friday prices have been everywhere all week, in shops and on-line.
More than 120 years ago, Oscar Wilde’s quote that “Nowadays, people know the price of everything and the value on nothing” was spot-on.
Perhaps, it’s all a con. Perhaps this is all preparation for an Apprentice Special one day where clueless wannabees run around in the circles making daft decisions (with the recent episode where they tried to open a discount store, not noticing a Poundland opposite, might have been a pilot).
I’m not sure whether there is a Black Friday Strategy Board, but if there was then Item One on Agenda would have to be about the impact of the new Consumer Rights Act in the aftermath of the Black Friday sales frenzy.
Clue is in the name. Friday. After work, a few bevvies. Next morning, fuzzy head, sudden realisation that the rechargeable nose clippers, 2015 desk diary or cashmere reindeer jumper might not have been considered purchases.
No worry, I’m covered, Take it back “I know my rights!”
So what are they going to call tomorrow as fights break out at the refund till and the queue snakes out and around the block?
