CASH strapped residents across the district are being urged to ‘Buy Nowt’ on Black Friday after research found just one in 20 discounts are genuine.
Bradford District Credit Union said the American sales extravaganza, which takes place this Friday, is about making people spend money on Christmas earlier than they naturally would.
A study by Which? found that just four of 83 products they studied last year were cheaper during the Black Friday promotion.
Among products cheaper outside of Black Friday were a tumble dryer, smart speaker, coffee maker and TV soundbar.
Alternative Black Friday is returning for its third year as it puts a Yorkshire twist on the international Buy Nothing Day which campaigns against poverty caused by consumer debt and excess.
In partnership with Artworks Creative Communities, Bradfordians are invited to discover how much fun they can have without spending a penny.
Ian Brewer, financial inclusion officer for Bradford District Credit Union, told the Telegraph & Argus: “We’ve been hearing this for years. Discounts aren’t as big as what they make out, partly because sometimes they inflate prices during the last six months to reduce them back down to the same.
“Black Friday is an American way to get people to spend their money earlier. That’s better for the shops.
“I’ve always made clear we’re not anti-business and we’re not anti people making use of the deals but for some people their savings force them to have to go to high cost lenders and loan sharks.
“Our message is to keep your money in your pocket until you need it, rather than spend it early.”
He added: “Don’t spend your money too early and always budget before you spend.”
Alternative Black Friday will take place at Theatre In The Mill in Bradford on November 29 between 3pm-6pm.
There will be live performances from Bradford band Issiomo who wrote a song called ‘Money’ about a loan shark victim.
Families can also learn how to make their own Christmas presents and tuck into free food.
The Lord Mayor, councillor Doreen Lee, will be coming down on the day to meet savers and official stallholders offering helpful advice on benefits and finance.
Talking about previous years, Ian said: “All of them said they much appreciated attending.
“Some people feel generally isolated knowing they can’t spend on Black Friday so the opportunity with our event is helping people feel good about themselves.
“The mental health and wellbeing aspect is really important.
“This has not been done anywhere else.”
Stallholders on the day will include: Bradford District Credit Union, People Can, CNET, Bradford Council, Stronger Families and Carers Resource.
BCB106.6FM, the Community Radio station for Bradford, will also be there on the day.
There will also be an Alternative Cyber Monday in Keighley on December 2 at Central Hall between 3pm-6pm.
