Church Stretton shoppers to run their own Black Friday special
A town will be hosting its own "Black Friday" for the first time as traders have signed up to offer something special on the day.
Church Stretton traders have agreed to make an event of November 25, which is now an annual frenzy of pre-Christmas deals and sales across the globe, to tie in with the town's Christmas lights switch-on the next day.
The Black Friday tradition started in the USA as the day following Thanksgiving, but has spread to the UK in recent years as a way to get Christmas presents at bargain prices.
Church Stretton businesses have now decided to take on the practice after the success of a similar drive in Newport last year. Organiser Liz Toothill, who works at Appleby & Shaw ladies and children's boutique, one of Church Stretton's many independent shops, said: "The majority of traders have joined together to make this event a great day.
"Black balloons will be placed in windows of businesses taking part.
"It has not been done in Church Stretton before.
"We've got a boutique in Newport as well and last year our manager there went around all the businesses and suggested they do it.
"It was such a success that we've decided to do it in Church Stretton as well. I think we've had 75 to 80 per cent interest in it from businesses, so it's been a popular idea.
"It is up to each business what they do, whether giving discounts off goods, giving out punch to customers or gifts to the children.
"People don't realise what's here until they actually come down, so we're hoping it will be a big success and put Church Stretton on the map.
"And with the lights switchon the day after it makes for a bit of a Christmas weekend in Church Stretton.
"We welcome all to Church Stretton to enjoy this great experience."
The Christmas lights will be turned on on Saturday, with a free Santa's grotto in the Scout Hut from 2pm to 5pm.
There will also be music, singing and dancing in the town square from 3pm to 6pm.
Entertainment will include a dance display by Stretton School of Dance & Drama, Ed Moseley Accordion Group and Ellesmere Vintage Band.
There will be the added festive sparkle of carol singing, plus street entertainers, mulled wine and burgers.
There will be a family Christingle service in St Laurence's Church at 4pm, before the Christmas lights are finally switched on at 5pm.
