UK Black Friday 2018: Extensive Apparel Discounting but Softer Shopper Traffic

Executive Summary

Coresight Research’s UK team visited London shops early on Black Friday morning to gauge crowds and deals. Here are the top trends we observed during our store checks:

• We saw more subdued shopper traffic at a number of retailers compared to last year, including at House of Fraser, John Lewis and Currys PC World. Some retailers offered discounts over an extended period, and this likely impacted footfall on Black Friday.
• Department stores and apparel retailers offered extensive and often-substantial discounts.
• Debenhams had near-universal price cuts of around 20%–30% across apparel and beauty. In apparel and accessories, House of Fraser offered 60% off selected private label goods and 20%–30% off selected branded products. John Lewis offered selective discounts on premium apparel brands.
• H&M offered 20% off everything and Zara offered 20% off outerwear, knitwear, shirts, trousers (except leggings), sweatshirts, bodysuits and shoes. Next offered deep discounts on a very limited range, apparently to clear old stock.
• Online, Boohoo.com offered deep discounts and ASOS offered 20% off everything.