Shoppers cash in on Black Friday bargains

MILDURA shoppers and retailers made the most of Black Friday sales on Friday, according to Mildura City Heart manager Danielle Hobbs and Mildura Central manager Leigh Fuller.

Both agreed that the predominantly American event had surged in popularity in Australia this year, with a “massive increase” in people on the hunt for a Black Friday bargain – and local retailers more than happy to oblige.

Ms Hobbs said the event had crept into Australia’s shopping calendar in recent years, resulting in a boom for local traders.

“It wasn’t an Australian thing at all, it was an American phenomenon, but there’s a lot more traders getting in on the sales this year, it’s just boomed,” Ms Hobbs said.

“We didn’t really notice (Black Friday) a lot last year, but it’s exploded this year.”

Mr Fuller echoed the sentiment, saying the Black Friday sales at Mildura Central had become comparable to the famous Boxing Day sales.

“It marks the first day of the festive buying period leading into Christmas, and we’ve seen quite an increase in foot traffic,” he said.

“Black Friday is a bit of a take-off of what’s happening overseas, it’s an American tradition that’s really gathering momentum here.

“I think for the next two or three years it will just continue to grow.”