WINCHESTER High Street was packed out this Black Friday - but many shoppers said they weren’t here for the deals.
We spoke to shoppers to see what brought them to Winchester, with the last Friday of November being renowned for major discounts.
Hannah Brown and Josh Saunders, from Bishop’s Waltham, were in Winchester for the Christmas Market and said they are “sceptical” of the Black Friday deals.
Hannah, 25, who works as a teacher, said: “The market was really good. Winchester is a great place for shopping at this time of year.
“We’ve not really seen any good deals, I’m quite sceptical of them anyway. I feel like businesses increase their prices and then lower them for Black Friday. It seems like a lot of people buy stuff because it says it's on sale.”
Carolyne Freeman, 83, from Hereford, was delighted with her Black Friday purchase. She bought a blouse from Anthropologie for 20 per cent off.
Mrs Freeman said: “I’m here to see my daughter who lives round here.
“I’ve had some excellent buys and went to The Ivy for lunch – that was just divine, I can’t tell you how beautiful it was.
“I love shopping here, especially the clothes shops. Most places have at least 20 per cent off which is excellent. I’ve seen so many gorgeous coats but I have had to stop myself.”
Steve Christian came all the way from the Isle of Man to see Winchester’s Christmas Market along with Emily-Jane Logan from Durham.
Steve, 50, said: “The town is nice, we’ve bought some hats and scarves. Winchester seems to be a better place than most to shop, some places are really dire.”
Emilly, 42, said: “We were recommended the Christmas Market and cathedral here by a friend. We’ve not really been looking for deals but it seems to be a good place to shop.”
Wendy Liddiard travelled on a coach to Winchester with seven friends from Whitstable in Kent. Wendy, 78, said: “We’re here for the Christmas Market. It’s definitely been worth the trip. The company has been great and I’ve enjoyed looking around all the stalls. I thought the cathedral was lovely.
“I haven’t seen any Black Friday deals but that wasn’t what we came for. It’s my first time visiting the Christmas Market here and it’s really nice.”
Chris Brooks, 56, from Gosport, is at the High Street market every week with his business Dream Time UK. He said: “It’s been particularly busy today but I think that’s because of the Christmas Market. It’s been a nice day but a shame it’s not been warmer.
“All our products are of a reasonable price all year round so we don’t do special deals. I have never really bothered with Black Friday, I can’t stand all the crowds but I’m more tempted online.”
Fellow stallholder Pam Evelyn, from Winchester, is in the High Street every Wednesday and Friday but didn’t notice the city was any busier for Black Friday.
Pam, 57, who owns Castle Wools, said: “There has still been a nice crowd for Christmas season. It’s wonderful here at this time of year and everyone seems to be very happy to be here today.
“We already offer really competitive prices as we like to pass on what we can to the customer. We’re a local business with sustainable and 100 per cent wool products. I’ve met some really lovely customers here today.”
Despite many shoppers not taking part in the Black Friday craze, chain shops such as Accessorise, Oliver Bonas, Fat Face and White Stuff, up and down the High Street all had exclusive deals on for the day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here