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Black Friday and Peak

Woman Holding Shopping Bags Black Friday

Black Friday and Peak: How The Best Connection Can Support You 

Black Friday, traditionally an American shopping holiday, has become a global phenomenon, with the UK embracing the event in recent years. Occurring annually on the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday marks the beginning of the festive shopping season, traditionally offering massive discounts and deals across a range of products.  

While it’s a dream for shoppers, Black Friday can be a challenging time for businesses, particularly those in retail, logistics, and distribution, as they must prepare for an influx of orders and customers. For temporary workers, Black Friday provides a chance to earn extra income during one of the busiest periods of the year. 

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is widely known as the busiest shopping day of the year. It kicks off the Christmas shopping season and is followed by Cyber Monday, which focuses on online deals. The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia in the ‘50s to describe the chaotic shopping conditions that followed Thanksgiving. However, the term itself dates back much earlier, originally a financial term applied to a stock market crash, and later, more positively, to reflect the period that retailers go “into the black” – transitioning from running at a loss to running at a profit due to the increased sales.   

In the UK, Black Friday first gained traction in 2010, and since then, it has grown exponentially. Initially, a one-day event, it now spans an entire week (or more!) with deals and discounts extending beyond the Friday itself. While traditionally focused on in-store sales, e-commerce has seen a massive rise in participation, with many customers opting for online shopping. 

Black Friday in the UK: Recent Trends and Statistics

In the UK, Black Friday has seen steady growth in popularity since its launch. Recent statistics from 2022 reveal that Britons spent an estimated £8.7 billion during the Black Friday period, demonstrating its significance for the economy. With inflation concerns and cost-of-living pressures now front of mind, consumers are increasingly seeking value, making Black Friday deals even more appealing. According to recent surveys, over 60% of UK shoppers planned to participate in Black Friday, focusing heavily on electronics, clothing, and home goods. 

E-commerce continues to dominate, with online sales representing a significant portion of the transactions. However, physical retail remains strong, as many shoppers enjoy the in-store experience, especially after the restrictions of recent years. This dual focus has led to increased demand for logistics, warehouse, and retail staff, particularly in the weeks leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

The Impact on Businesses and Temporary Workers

For businesses, Black Friday is both a blessing and a challenge. The demand for products surges, requiring businesses to ramp up production, improve stock levels, and ensure that their supply chains can handle the load. Retailers and distributors often require additional staff to meet this increased demand, which is where temporary workers play a crucial role.    

However, finding the right talent at the right time can be challenging for businesses, especially during such a high-pressure period. That’s where The Best Connection comes in. 

Temporary workers help businesses manage the fluctuations in demand without committing to permanent hires. During Black Friday, businesses need flexible, adaptable workers to assist with tasks such as packing, customer service, deliveries, and stocking shelves. For businesses, hiring temporary staff can ease the strain on permanent employees, allowing for a smoother operation during peak periods. 

For candidates, Black Friday offers a valuable opportunity to earn extra income. Many temporary workers find that the high demand for staff during this time provides them with a chance to work overtime, boost their earnings, and gain experience in a fast-paced environment. This is particularly attractive to individuals who might only be looking for short-term roles or those seeking seasonal employment over the Christmas period.

In Summary

Black Friday is now a pivotal event for UK businesses and workers alike. Whilst it brings challenges, it also creates opportunities for growth, innovation, and employment. At The Best Connection, we’re proud to play a part in supporting our clients and candidates during this busy period, ensuring that everyone benefits from the season’s opportunities. Whether you’re a business needing extra hands or a worker seeking seasonal roles, we’re here to help you thrive this Black Friday and beyond! 

How can we help? 

At The Best Connection, we understand how crucial it is to have the right workforce in place during the busiest times. Our specialised recruitment services can help you quickly scale your team, offering access to skilled, reliable workers who are ready to meet your seasonal needs. Whether you need short-term staffing solutions or long-term planning support, we’ve got you covered.   

Contact us today to prepare your workforce for peak season success
Email sales.support@thebestconnection.co.uk or Phone 0121 504 3090