EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN IN WALES

EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN IN WALES

SHOPPERS PLAN TO TACKLE THE SALES AS EARLY AS 6.42AM

• New research from Debenhams reveals the amount of preparation and planning Welsh shoppers put into making sure they get the item they want on Black Friday
• Nearly half (43%) plan to book the day off work or have already got the day off in order to tackle the Black Friday sales. Nearly half (44%) of men have, or are planning to, book the day off work compared to just a quarter (24%) of women
• Early bird does catch the worm when it comes to Black Friday – a sixth (13%) are planning to wake up early to face the sales setting their alarm for 6.42am
• All of Debenhams Black Friday deals can be found here: debenhams.com/Black-Friday

New research from leading British retailer, Debenhams, reveals the amount of preparation and planning Welsh shoppers put into making sure they get the item they want on Black Friday.

The survey, which saw 2,000 shoppers across the UK questioned on their plans, found that nearly half (43%) of shoppers plan to book the day off work or have already got the day off in order to tackle the Black Friday sales. Nearly half (44%) of men have, or are planning to, book the day off work compared to just a quarter (24%) of women.

When it comes to planning for the ‘big weekend’, a sixth (14%) admitted they started thinking about what they wanted to buy 4-7 days before. Women are more likely to create a plan of action for the sales – 8% of the women spoken to in the study said that they started to pull together a wish list one to three months before the sales. Men on the other hand prefer to wait until closer to the time – a fifth (21%) left it 1-5 days before, while 4% made a snap decision on the morning.

Around the country, Londoners plan the furthest ahead – they start thinking about what they want up to three months in advance (3%). In contrast, Yorkshire and Humber residents wait until the morning of the sales (9%) to snap up a bargain.

It seems that the early bird really does catch the worm when it comes to Black Friday – a sixth (13%) of those interviewed are planning to wake up early to face the sales, setting their alarm for 6.42am.

Shoppers in the region have given themselves a budget of £142 during the Black Friday sales. Across the country, Southampton shoppers have the biggest pot (£351-£400) followed by those in Leeds (£251-£300). More than a tenth (13%) are spending more than last year, while 74% have budgeted the same amount. Men are more likely to have increased their funds (15%) while women have reduced theirs (13%).

The main beneficiaries of the bargains are partners (46%), followed by the buyers themselves (42%) and children (39%). Men are most likely to shop for themselves (53%) compared to women (50%).

Top ten purchases are:

1. Toys for the kids
2. Personal technology
3. Coats
4. Boots
5. Box sets and computer games
6. Alcohol
7. Handbags
8. Beauty purchases
9. Soft furnishings

10  White goods

Richard Cristofoli, Managing Director of Beauty and Marketing at Debenhams, said: “Since arriving in the UK four years ago, Black Friday has become a formidable fixture in the country’s shopping calendar. Last year the event was the biggest day of trade in Debenhams’ 239 year history.

Our customers tell us that they love the glamour and excitement that Debenhams offers through including great deals on top beauty brands, exclusive Designer fashions as well as branded electricals and toys in the event.”

All of Debenhams Black Friday deals can be found here: debenhams.com/Black-Friday