The annual retail bonanza that is Black Friday will look a lot different this year as the world still tries to get the coronavirus pandemic under control. In the UK at least, Springboard forecasts suggest the impact on the high street will be significant. As this infographic shows, footfall is expected to be down almost 70 percent on last year, with a similar prediction made for shopping centres. Retail parks are forecast to see less of a slump compared to 2019 but should still plan for a 31 percent reduction.
As described by Springboard, "Black Friday is typically the start of the Christmas season and is the first key signifier of what retailers can expect during the most important trading period of the year." In yet another blow for the ailing bricks and mortar side of retail, losses on the high street are expected to be hoovered up by online retailers.
Diane Wehrle, Insights Director at Springboard commented: "Some of this online spend will of course have been driven by the lockdown, however, it reflects the even greater significance of online spend that is likely over Black Friday. For bricks and mortar stores, particularly in England, the opportunity over Black Friday will largely be limited to their ability to provide click and collect facilities, which is the only option for shoppers to purchase goods at non-essential stores.”
