Small business shuts up shop for Black Friday

The last week in November has become a week of special offers, massive discounts and deals to end all deals as the US phenomenon of Black Friday takes hold in the UK.

But one small business owner has made the radical decision to shut down his online store on Friday and encourage people to enjoy the great outdoors.

The statistics tell us that 27 November 2015 will be the first time the UK has experienced a £1bn sales day as consumers across the country clamber to get hold of big TVs at rock bottom prices.

Customers of independent board sports retailer TVSC however  won't be getting any special deals because they'll find the company's website closed to sales on Friday.

Writing on his blog managing director Paul Vale said: "Instead of spending all day in the office taking part in what we have seen to be a really ugly side of retail, we are going to go for a surf if there's a wave, a skate if it's not raining or a shred at the snow centre if the weather isn't playing ball on those fronts! We'd like to invite everyone to do the same.

"We're hoping by shutting up shop for the day we will encourage people to go and explore, do something they haven't been able to do for a while, or kick back and relax. Surely getting out for a skate, going for a walk, or simply spending some quality time with your family is better than queuing at 4am and having to wrestle seven other people for 20% off a 40 inch television?

"We have a great relationship with all of our suppliers and we know how hard they work to get their amazing products out to you. We feel it would be quite insulting to them for us to go cutting 50, 60 or 70% off their prices. We promote a more sustainable form of consumerism and hope people only buy when they need to, and not just because a product is reduced in a ridiculous, frenzied one day sale."

How do you feel about Black Friday? Will your business get involved? Add your comments below.