Black Friday violence will keep consumers away from high street, survey says

A survey has revealed that 81% of shoppers will keep away from Britain’s high streets on Black Friday (November 25) and make their purchases online instead.

This decision is underlined by the fact that more than one in 10 of those surveyed have actually experienced violence while shopping on Black Friday.

The concept of Black Friday still appeals to shoppers though, with 57% intending to spend more than £100 each, and one in five looking to spend more than £250. Almost half (47%) said the date kick-starts Christmas shopping for them.

More than 1,200 respondents participated in the study, which was carried out amongst listeners of media company Wireless Group’s radio stations (including talkSPORT, Virgin Radio and talkRADIO) to look at spending habits around this year’s Black Friday.

Wireless Group insight manager Natalie Delahunty said: “It’s shocking that violence is playing such a role in keeping shoppers away from the high street, though thankfully it hasn’t dampened enthusiasm for the concept, with shoppers opting to make their purchases online instead.”