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How does the North East really feel about Black Friday?

Black Friday has become a bit of a marmite subject here in the UK. Some of us are potty for the US phenomenon heralding heavily discounted products discounts while others refuse to be drawn in by an event known to stimulate impulse buys.

What has become evident is the fact that UK shoppers are increasingly willing to part with their money during Black Friday, as well as its slightly lesser-known relative Cyber Monday.

According to a new survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Opinium for PwC, over half (54%) of North East shoppers say they are interested in the weekend’s sales with shoppers planning to spend an average of £210 each this year. Unsurprisingly it is Londoners who plan to spend the most money (an average of almost £300).

With 32% of respondents uninterested in the event and 11% intentionally planning to avoid it, the research indicates that the frenzy splits public opinion here in the region.

Technology and electricals are by far the most in demand items, with 50% of UK shoppers who intend to part with their money over the Black Friday weekend saying they’ll spend most of their money on these categories. Toys, homeware and clothing are less popular, but one in five Black Friday shoppers still intend to spend money on them.

Perhaps most interestingly, 67% of Black Friday spending in the North east will be done online or by mobile.

Bill MacLeod, PwC Newcastle’s office senior partner, said: “Technology and electrical items are in demand this Black Friday weekend and retailers who specialise in these areas can’t afford not to have a Black Friday promotion in the UK - it’s here to stay.

“The promotional weekend isn’t as vital for some sectors, such as fashion retailers, but undoubtedly still presents an opportunity for the whole UK retail industry.

“The research shows that North East shoppers are increasingly willing to part with their money on Black Friday.

“Almost half (46%) of the purchases made during Black Friday and Cyber Monday last year in the North East were impulse purchases on at least one item.

“Therefore if retailers across the region do their research and promote the right products at the right prices, they should once again see strong sales.”

Black Friday begins on November 24. Should Bdaily’s North East Editor be unavailable that day, why not head down to your nearest Asda store where he’ll most likely be found in the electronics aisle battling locals over a range of heavily reduced toasters…

Share your thoughts. Are you pro Black Friday? Against? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.