Shops in Wrexham are gearing up for the biggest shopping day of the year so far – Black Friday.
Retailers at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre are bringing in extra staff and unveiling a host of offers ready for the expected avalanche of shoppers as footfall goes through the roof on Friday, November 27.
The discount day, renowned for massive markdowns and incredible offers, provides a huge pre-Christmas boost for the centre’s stores and cafes.
Debenhams will open for an extra three hours of trading with deputy manager Andy Smethurst describing last year’s Black Friday as “absolutely huge”.
He said: “It was incredible and was probably our busiest ever day in terms of sales. This year we are opening an hour earlier at 8am and staying open later until 10pm.
“We are bringing in extra staff and a night team will work through the night to replenish displays once the day is over.”
However, Debenhams haven’t yet announced which lines will be reduced although Andy Smethurst says it will definitely be a major sale event.
He said: “We won’t know ourselves which stock will be part of the sale but I can say there will be some major savings to be had. If we are as busy as we were last year then it’s going to be an incredible day.”
Internet UK spending alone on Black Friday is expected to spill over the £1billion mark while bargain-hungry shoppers are due to descend in their droves into department stores and independent retail stores.
And it all adds up to an exciting day according to sales assistant Hannah Richards who works at the Eagles meadow toy store, The Entertainer.
She said: “Last year was incredible; it was my favourite day by far to be honest. It was so busy. I love Christmas but last year’s Black Friday was just insane and easily topped any Christmas shopping day
“We had queues down the shop all day. This year I think we will be better prepared although we won’t know which lines have been reduced until nearer the day. It makes it even more exciting to be honest.”
Cheryl Jones, deputy manager of F Hinds Jewellers in Eagles Meadow, says she is preparing for Black Friday and expecting a very busy day of trading.
She said: “We are yet to find out which lines are being reduced. Last year it was watches and we were incredibly busy all day. I’m expecting this year to be no different to be honest.
“The savings that can be made are fantastic and especially as the event comes just before Christmas when people are buying gifts for family and friends.”
Eagles Meadow shopping centre manager Kevin Critchley is looking forward to the centre enjoying a busy day.
He said: “Last year Black Friday had a huge impact on our visitor numbers and as a retail phenomenon the event is growing in popularity with more and more brands taking part,
“There will be many incredible bargains to be had and coming right before Christmas it’s an event that helps many families.
“I’d encourage customers to come along and make a day of it. Why not enjoy a meal at one of our restaurants and take in a film or a game of tenpin? Eagles Meadow has so much to offer.”
