Bargain hunters head to Norwich for Black Friday
Getting ready for Black Friday at Hughes Electrical, White Lion Street, Norwich. Photo : Steve Adams - Credit: Steve Adams
Online bargain hunters were waiting for the clock to strike midnight, making the most of today's Black Friday deals and filling their baskets early.
Getting ready for Black Friday at Hughes Electrical, White Lion Street, Norwich. Photo : Steve Adams - Credit: Steve Adams
Stores across the city are offering slashed prices during the sale extravaganza that's expected to attract eager shoppers to Norwich.
Fast becoming one of the biggest shopping events of the year, in the United Kingdom more than £1bn is expected to be made in online sales alone. The originally American event has had stores across the city hiring more staff and preparing to open as early as 6am.
Castle Mall has extra security on hand and with Boots opening at 7am and Argos opening from 6am until 9pm, the shopping mall's car park will open at 5.30am.
Becca Elmy, marketing manager at Castle Mall, said: 'We are prepared if there is a mad rush.'
Scenes of chaos emerged at last year's event, with police being called to Asda stores across the country to calm fights over big screen TV's which sold out in minutes.
Originally made mainstream in the UK by the supermarket chain, Asda has decided to take a step back from the event this year, instead offering deals throughout November and December.
Most Read
- 1 Prince Harry's ex marries north Norfolk hotelier
- 2 Mum killed in A47 collision was ‘walking to Norwich’, inquest hears
- 3 Classic vehicle day coming to stunning gardens this weekend
- 4 'Beheading' comment sees councillor reported to police
- 5 'Like a Halloween scene' - huge caterpillar webs engulf hedges
- 6 7 pubs up for sale or rent in Norfolk
- 7 Princess Anne waves from Range Rover after landing in Wisbech
- 8 'It's a nightmare' - Roadworks leave town 'gridlocked'
- 9 Blackpool player cites Norfolk footballer as inspiration after coming out
- 10 Norfolk glamping site with natural pool named among UK's best newcomers
Not just benefiting national companies, local jewellery retailer, Lisa Angel, received 7,000 online orders during 2014's shopper onslaught.
Will Francis, operations manager, said: 'When Black Friday kicked off last year we were really busy and people were out, coming into store and not just buying the deals. I think everyone should get involved.'
To try to avoid a swarm, Hughes on White Lion Street, held an exclusive preview event for their customers last night and are all hands on deck today – even taking on more staff as deals are expected to fly off the shelves.
If you have a story about Black Friday, email jemma.walker@archant.co.uk or newsdesk@archant.co.uk
