Young Reporter: Black Friday in Britain

This Friday on the 28th of November, hundreds of thousands of eager shoppers will flood to shopping centres throughout Britain for what used to be solely an American tradition.

‘Black Friday’ is the first Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, often regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. With a multitude of American franchises setting up shops in Britain, it is no surprise that we were bound to follow the trend. We knew that American owned retailers such as Victoria secret, Amazon, and ASDA (owned by Walmart for those who are unaware) are participating; but well known home-grown British brands like BHS are joining in this new found ‘holiday’.

This new-found tradition has received mixed reviews and a definite generation gap has been discovered:

Zorana Foley, 17 “it’s a great way for students, such as me, to save money and still get the quality of the products I need.” I found Zorana’s view to be the general opinion of young people and students who want to take full advantage of the savings available.

Tina Carter, 40 “I can’t bear it! It’s way too busy; I can’t be bothered to fight with people to get items and then fight my way to the till, and people get so rude.”  Those of a different generation who are not used to Black Friday in the UK have had mostly the same views as Tina.

Whether or not you participate in Black Friday, the reality is that it is here to stay and if you are brave enough to face the masses this Friday; then go to your local shopping centre and hope to find a bargain.

Shannon Peck, Bromley College.