Black Friday busiest day of year for retailers

BLACK Friday was the busiest day of the year so far for retailers, new figures suggest.

- PRESS ASSOCIATION REPORTERS

Spending data from Barclays shows transactions on November 28 reached a 2025 high, up 62% on the average as shoppers showed their determination to make the most of deals.

Consumers hitting the high street also led to food and drink transactions seeing a Black Friday boost of 28.9% versus the average day this year, Barclays said.

While 29% of consumers still consider the annual event to be the best time to bag a bargain, 44% say they do not look forward to the day as much as they used to, a survey for the bank found.

Some 68% are doubtful about the real value of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, and 65% believe such sales events encourage unnecessary spending.

Rohan Kumar, head of Barclays spending insights, said: "Our transaction data shows that Black Friday remains a vital retail milestone, with volumes spiking on the day itself once again. October's slowdown was potentially a signal shoppers were holding out for discounts and deals.