What do you think about Black Friday and the impact it has had on retail since it first arrived here in 2013? The chaos in the early days with people actually fighting over electrical goods is hard to forget. Black Friday has damaged the traditional Christmas buying season, as customers anticipate that they will be able to purchase gifts at a discount and wait. Since 2014 many retailers have felt that they have to take part or lose trade to competitors. There are some high street retail names that hold out and do not discount, but most do. This year there are a few multiple retailers who have simply taken the decision to reduce all stock and others have renamed the (Black Friday) discount but it still amounts to the same thing. We are heartened to see that this year many independent retailers have shunned Black Friday, held their nerve and instead used social media to showcase their individuality and supported campaigns such a @justacard highlighting and encouraging support for independent businesses all over the country. It is vital that ALL businesses consider their overall brand strategy and think about the damage blanket discounting can have long term. Savvy retailers are ensuring that their strategy keeps the flurry of customers both in store and online up until Christmas and thus protecting their margins. We will be watching with interest to see which retailers have clear strategies to keep their tills ringing this Christmas. . . . . . #blackfriday #instaretail #instagifts #shoppingonline #shopping #photooftheday #strategy #businessstrategy #justacard #independentretailer #christmas #christmasshopping #retailinspired #towncentres #supportyourhighstreet #supportlocal #loveshopping #cybermonday #instaphoto #instagram #marketing #marketingdigital #tipsandtricks #currenttrends (at Kent, Kent, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqsvzK5FTsz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=l1muoeqn6thz
