BARGAIN hunters came flocking to Wrexham’s Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre to take advantage of the big Black Friday buying bonanza.
The discount day, renowned for massive markdowns and incredible offers, provided a huge pre-Christmas boost for the centre’s stores and cafes.
And some stores have spread sale offers over the weekend, giving customers even more opportunity to grab a bargain or two.
Cheryl Jones, manager of jewellery store Pandora, said business was booming from the moment she opened the doors to let in Black Friday bargain hunters.
She said: “It’s been really busy. We have discounts on selected items and a special limited edition charm bracelet at an incredible price. I have brought in extra staff and the shop has been full all morning.
“I’m expecting this to be out busiest weekend of the year so far. People are looking for bargains and we are trying to deliver what our customers want.”
Pandora customers Shirley Titley and Jane Pritchard-Williams, both of Oswestry, say they travelled to Eagles Meadow looking for Black Friday bargains.
Shirley said: “I’m looking for Christmas presents at bargain prices and there’s no better time to look than Black Friday. It is busy but we knew it would be. I’m looking for bracelets and rings for presents.”
Jane said: “It’s worth waiting for Black Friday and seeing what’s on offer. There’s some good deals and we usually head for Eagles Meadow when we can.”
Another Oswestry bargain hunter, Michelle Swannick, says she headed for Pandora as she wanted charm bracelets for Christmas gifts.
She said: “It’s been well worth it. I’ve got what I wanted and at good prices and made some excellent savings, which is what it’s all about. I’m now heading around the other shops to see what else I can find.”
Ann Littler, manager of Wallis, says Black Friday trade is up on last year but they did start reducing prices on the Thursday and the event will run all weekend.
She said: “It’s certainly been a good start and we have been very busy. People want bargains and that’s what we have tried to offer. We have been far busier than I expected to be honest and it’s certainly a lot busier than last year.”
Ceri Roberts, M&S section manager, says they turned Black Friday into a Gifting Weekend with 50% off selected some products.
She said: “We really got off to a good start on the Thursday and it has stayed very busy since. We started Black Friday on the front foot and it has remained much busier than normal throughout the morning.
“I am expecting that our Gifting Weekend will be the busiest of the year to date. I think our loyal customers appreciate the deals that are available.”
Wrexham store assistants Georgia Davies, Hannah Richards and Kelsey Davies, who all work at The Entertainer, set off for work early so they had time to hunt for some bargains around the other Eagles Meadow stores.
Hannah, who nabbed a handbag at a bargain price from Debenhams, says it was well worth the effort.
She said: “I’ve saved at least £10, which is brilliant and we are looking around other shops too. There are some good deals. We came looking for bargains before we go to work and there are plenty to be had.
“I’m expecting it to be busy when we get to work too as there are some amazing deals and bargains to be had at The Entertainer.”
Georgia added: “It was well worth getting up that bit earlier and coming looking for bargains. The shops are really busy as I’d expect. I’m looking for some Christmas gifts for family and friends.”
Kelsey agreed, and said: “It’s well worth checking out what is on offer. There are some real bargains if you are prepared to look. And I’m expecting to have a very busy shift at The Entertainer too.”
Eagles Meadow centre manager Kevin Critchley says he’s delighted with how Black Friday started.
He said: “It’s been very busy start to the weekend here at Eagles Meadow.
“There are a lot of offers from retailers this year and I think more stores are participating than ever before.
“There’s no doubt Black Friday offers shoppers some fantastic opportunities to purchase products at very competitive prices.
“There are certainly a lot of happy shoppers at Eagles Meadow, and that has to be a good thing.”
Black Friday Offers
http://www.eagles-meadow.co.uk/offers.html
3 Store:FitBit Charge HR £69
Pandora FREE gift when you spend £125 at Pandora
F Hinds Buy one get one half price on ALL F Hinds jewellery
Trespass 50% off
Roman 50% off
JD 50% off
Frankie & Benny £10 voucher for next visit
M&S dinner for 2 for £10
River Island Get up to 50% off at River Island
Mococo FREE Black Friday bracelet worth £65 when you spend £95 or over all weekend
Burton & Dorothy Perkins: Up to 50% off selected lines
Regazzi: 20% off everything
Grainger Games: Call of Duty Infinite Warfare – was £50 now £30
