Does Black Friday exist in the UK?

Posted by: joerand on 27 November 2013

Despite the bleak name, Black Friday in the US is the day after the Thanksgiving national holiday and the commercial start of the Xmas shopping season. Most have the day off work and it's very important economically.

 

I occasionally view vinyl box-set prices on Amazon.uk and just got an email from them touting Black Friday specials, which begs the question in the topic title.

Posted on: 27 November 2013 by Harry

If it gave me a day off I wouldn't complain.

Posted on: 27 November 2013 by joerand

Thanks to all that replied for such a thorough examination of the OP. It leaves me with only one question .....

 

Does Black Friday exist in the UK? 

Posted on: 27 November 2013 by Harry

Oh, yeah. Well spotted.

 

No. Although I do get a lot of emails about it. I honestly didn't know what it was until today.

Posted on: 27 November 2013 by joerand

Happy to hear you became informed, Harry. Please don't feel as if you were missing out on anything with regard to Black Friday .

 

And I learned something today, too ... what a big vinyl fan Char Wallah is. I only wonder why his TT is not listed in his profile.

Posted on: 27 November 2013 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by Hook:

Learn something new here every day!  I always thought Halloween's origins only went back to medieval times to the Catholic All Saints/All Souls celebrations.  Had never heard of Sanhain till now, but I guess many, if nor most, Christian traditions have Pagan and/or Wiccan origins.

 

Halloween has been my favorite holiday for the past decade, ever since moving to our home in the city. We border a couple of less gentrified neighborhoods, so we get a couple of hundred kids from all backgrounds knocking on the door each year.  Knowing it's going to take a fair amount of work, we invite family and friends over for dinner each year.  Many also come in costume, and so the mood is always festive. Yes, yer honor, I plead guilty to once a year contributing to childhood obesity and tooth decay.  But I love kids, and I get a huge kick out of answering the door, and messing with their little minds just a bit.  For example, when there's a group or 4 or 5, and you have one little shy kid at the back, I'll make a big deal over that kid's costume, and imply that he's the only one getting candy.  The looks of panic (at least those without masks that I can see) are too funny.  But I am not mean about it, and within seconds they all know I am just kidding. After all, I do not want to risk my windows getting egged, or my trees getting TP'ed!

 

There is one Hispanic family that always shows up, and regardless of the cold weather, the Dad (he's an older guy -- may be the Grandad) always dresses like a Roman soldier.  And each and every year, he loudly and proudly proclaims "I am Julius Caesar, and it is your privilege to meet me!". 

 

We do have a lot of fun with it, and it is much more fun for me than the chaos of Christmas morning!

 

ATB.

 

Hook

We love it. I traditionally go as a zombie. I'm pretty damn scary, too. Sadly, our kids approaching the ages where trick-or-treating makes less sense. We have a year or two left, though.

 

No-one tricks or treats in our quiet street. We go to a great area nearby, though, where the residents go to a lot of trouble, and the kids turn up in droves. A great time is had by all.

Posted on: 28 November 2013 by Blueknowz

Quick heads up lads & ladies, if you're after Christmas presents still, Someone I know has been in charge of setting this up in her store today. From 8am tomorrow, there will be hundreds of tv's, DVD players, laptops etc... up to 80% off.

Posted on: 29 November 2013 by osprey
Around here today is actually "Don't Buy Anything Day". (Although unfortunately we are not immune to the "special" offerings of the various webshops either.)
Posted on: 29 November 2013 by joerand
Originally Posted by osprey:
Around here today is actually "Don't Buy Anything Day".

I doubt the local Chamber of Commerce can be keen on promoting that event.

Posted on: 29 November 2013 by Richard S

My sentiments too. Give us enough time and we will catch up on another US tradition...

 

Posted on: 29 November 2013 by maze

Beats me why people get suckered into these sales (so called), usually the tat the stores want to shift.

And the hoards of sheep that go out like buy this crap like it's going out of fashion. Get a grip.

 

Do we really need more stuff?

Posted on: 29 November 2013 by osprey
Originally Posted by joerand:
Originally Posted by osprey:
Around here today is actually "Don't Buy Anything Day".
I doubt the local Chamber of Commerce can be keen on promoting that event.

They seem not to be available for comments on this … but seriously we like to support the Europe 2020 strategy i.e. "Sustainable growth - for a resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy".
Posted on: 29 November 2013 by Harry

I just got home to find an email from a camera retailer offering Black Friday deals. Odd, since they are a UK company, but I suppose I shouldn't be grumpy. Anyway, they are offering a whole nine pounds off a £2,329 camera body. WOW! Where do I queue?