Retail sector thinks growing interest in Black Friday will kick start Christmas trade post Covid-19

The annual retail super day following Thanksgiving in the United States is becoming more popular, and that growing interest couldn't come at a better time for local shops wanting to kick-start Christmas trade after a challenging year.

Among them is Baby by Boutique Bundles which opened in Corrimal in August.

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Kellie and Daniel Bates have enjoyed a good response but are aware of how the retail sector has suffered in 2020.

Now just four weeks out from Christmas they are hoping business picks up for everyone.

When they heard other shops were getting on board with Black Friday sales they decided to join in, hoping more businesses offering discounts will encourage more people to come out and shop local for Christmas.

"I am starting to do late-night shopping this Thursday evening and we are offering Black Friday discounts in store," Mrs Bates said.

"I had been in business for about three years as part of the Thirroul Collective. The products were so well received and we had so much encouragement from customers that we decided to do something independently and opened in Corrimal.

"All the businesses I purchase from are Australian mums. I like to support other small businesses and other families."

Mrs Bates employs two local people in store including a local mum whose products she stocks.

"There are so many clever women and mums behind these brands," she said.

"This store provides a chance to come in and touch and see those products in person. We also run workshops that help other local businesses in promoting their products."

Thirroul Collective's Sheralee Rae said traditionally as a collective with 11 small businesses sharing the space and being a stockist for 20 other businesses she has not done Black Friday sales.

Many carry similar stock and so it impacts each other if they do.

But this year she is going to have a specials table at the front of the collective of stock that businesses would like to clear.

"I know myself and other businesses in there have some odds and ends we would like to clear and we thought now is a good time to do it with everybody looking for a bargain," she said.

"This is our way of giving back and a chance to say thanks to the community for its support. We appreciate everybody supporting local in 2020. These are all mum and dad businesses."

Layla Blu Boutique in Central Avenue, Oak Flats is also considering a Black Friday sale.

Gail Cady has run the ladies fashion, shoes and handbag shop for 28 years but has never seen a year like 2020.

Ms Cady said it has been a challenging time for all retail outlets and Black Friday was an opportunity for people to shop locally for a bargain before Christmas.

"The year has really been up and down," she said.

"The first month when COVID hit was shocking. And then everyone got some money and they were spending for a few weeks.

"Then it died off. It just hasn't been constant. We should be so busy at the moment because it is just before Christmas but not many people are speaking about Christmas yet."

So Black Friday might signal the start of the Christmas shopping season.

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