Workers are predicted to splash out over £5 billion on Black Friday shopping all while on the job
A survey of 2,000 employees revealed that the average worker plans to spend £169.72, which when multiplied across the UK’s workforce of 34.22 million, amounts to this staggering sum. It was discovered that a bold 66% openly search for deals during their contracted hours.
Meanwhile, a fifth (22%) opt to work from home to ensure they don’t miss out on discounted goods or services. Some even plan to feign illness this year to snag bargains. In the past, 10% have sought refuge in toilets to hunt for deals, with 8% sneaking off to their car at opportune moments to secure the deal they’re after.
Kevin Nelson from travel firm First Choice, which commissioned the study, commented: “Black Friday is one of the days of the year when good value is top of mind for everyone. But for many shoppers, it can be a pretty overwhelming experience.”
“With lots of noise from brands competing for their attention and a multitude of codes to sift through to find the best deal, it is no surprise that people are having to find creative ways to try and navigate it all.”
However, 33% believed that good deals are hard to come by, and 30% confessed to thinking it’s impossible to know if you’re really getting one.
For instance, while tech topped the list with 32% expecting to see the best deals on smart devices, many don’t anticipate significant savings when it comes to travel. With only 8% expecting discounts on summer holidays and 7% on winter breaks.
First Choice carried out the research following the launch of its Black Friday deals, where holidaymakers can save up to £300 on trips booked before 2nd December.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll.com, discovered that 23% said having a holiday to look forward to helps them get through the darker nights – and 15% are more likely to book when it’s darker and colder outside.
The spokesperson added: “This year we are trying to make it as easy as possible so you won’t have to hunt for our deals with hard-to-find codes.
“We’ve auto-applied them all from the start, so you know when you’re browsing that the price you see is the lowest Black Friday price you’ll get. Booking a holiday or getting a good deal shouldn’t be stressful, so it’s important that we are making the process as easy as possible.
“And with so many people unaware of the big travel savings that can be made during Black Friday, we’re hoping to bring more simple deals to people at a time when they need a holiday the most.”