As the main shopping event of the year approaches, some were sceptical about the potential for a deal on 29 November.
From deals on technology, clothing, skincare, makeup and more, Kingston’s high street and the Bentall Centre are expected to welcome thousands of people eager to get through their Christmas shopping lists.
But locals the Kingston Courier spoke to had mixed views on Black Friday deals.
Elizabeth Casunuran, a local shopper, welcomed the opportunity to hit the high street. She said: “I like shopping in store a lot better because you can try clothes on. It’s a nicer experience.”
Others said they preferred to shop online or avoid Black Friday all together.
Tessa Ley said: “I shop more online than in store because I find it’s very busy on the high street on that day, so I tend to avoid it.”
Veronica Cardoso said she is very conscious about her budget and any Black Friday spending.
Cardoso added: “The deals are no better than those throughout the year, but I feel like shoppers get caught up in the Black Friday excitement and think the sales are exclusive.”
Emma Norman, a spokesperson from Kingston First, the borough’s Business Improvement District, said the Black Friday sales are already in progress in the town centre.
Some stores in the Bentall Centre have also started their deals early.
Vanessa Gomez, a salesperson at Boots, said the Black Friday sale was already in full swing and that the drop in prices was expected to continue until Christmas.
According to Gomez, makeup and perfume are the most sold products.
But the ability to grab a bargain ahead of Black Friday turned some shoppers off. Ley said: “I do feel like it kind of takes away from the day almost. I feel like you kind of get desensitised to it.”
She added: “It doesn’t feel like so much of a deal on Black Friday. Maybe fewer people are inclined to shop on Black Friday because they do it before.”
Nevertheless, retailers were banking on big reductions to bring customers into their Kingston stores.
Mango promised sales of up to 60% and 40% off on all products. Hollister planned to offer customers 30% off all products in store from 29 November. Members of the clothing store could take advantage of an extra 10% off when they spend £40.
Mikaelah Bellingan said she shops in person as much as possible. “I prefer shopping in store because you actually see what clothes look like,” she said, “and you can try it on rather than taking the risk online.”
Waterstones has not planned any Black Friday sales, but the bookstore is taking advantage of potential additional footfall in the Bentall Centre on 29 November.
Their Christmas event, organised on Black Friday, will bring authors like Cariad Lloyd, Elodie Harper and Gareth Rubin in the Kingston shop for book signings.
