London’s West End retailers to make 100 million on Black Friday

Retailers across London’s West End are preparing for the Black Friday rush, as predictions released by the New West End Company, state that nearly 100 million pounds could be spent in the area in just 24 hours.

Black Friday is already expected to be a record-breaking day for retailers across the UK, with predictions claiming it could be the UK’s first 1 billion pound sales day, and the West End retailers are expected to bring in 96 million pounds in sales.

Shopping doesn’t just stop on Friday, the whole weekend is expected to be a bumper weekend, with more than 200 million pounds expected to be spent across the West End area in the 72 hours between Black Friday and Sunday.

This turnover will help fuel what is expect to become the best Christmas for the West End’s retailers since 2007, with 2.3 billion pounds or 5.1 million pounds every hour predicted to be spent in the six weeks leading up to Christmas.

Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of New West End Company, said: “London’s West End is primed and ready for a spectacular start to the Christmas shopping season this Black Friday. We expect to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to the world’s favourite retail destination over the coming weekend, and this year looks set to bring takings back up to pre-economic slowdown levels.

“To ensure savvy shoppers enjoy a combination of savings and exemplary service, the West End has recruited thousands of extra employees to support visitors throughout the area. Our aim is to ensure shoppers enjoy seasonal deals in a magical setting, making this Black Friday one to remember for years to come.”