Black Friday: Independents urge shoppers in the Harrogate district to buy local

Independent shops in Knaresborough will be staying open later this evening for the town's 'Bright Friday' event, which organisers have branded as "an antidote to the negative aspects of Black Friday".
Knaresborough high streetKnaresborough high street
Knaresborough high street

Knaresborough's Christmas tree lights will be switched on in the Market Place at 6:30pm this evening, Friday November 25, and to encourage visitors to buy local and support independent businesses, shops will be staying open later than usual for some early present shopping.

Organisers of Bright Friday said that in recent years Black Friday has become "associated with the worst aspects of consumerism", and that Bright Friday aims to celebrate the community and support local businesses to "reflect the true meaning of Christmas".

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Businesses taking part in the late-night shopping experience, include: The Wine Shop, Alison Holmes Gifts, The Yorkshire Soap Company, The Beanery, Toys at Knaresborough, Cave & Castle, Crystal Buddha, Knitting Pretty, Dragonfly, Sheer Bliss, Lavender Lace, Jill Long Hairdressers, Kingston White Opticians and Country 2 Western.

Coun Hannah Gostlow, who helped to organise the switch on, said: "We wanted to create an event that was an antidote to the negative aspects of Black Friday. We want people to come to Knaresborough and get involved with the Christmas spirit."

Steve Teggin from Knaresborough Chamber said: "We are delighted the event is taking place a week earlier than usual this year to bring the festivities to Knaresborough around the same time they start in other towns. I am pleased so many of our members will be opening so residents and visitors can see what their businesses have to offer."

Many have taken to Twitter ahead of the Bright Friday festivities...

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The Knaresborough Choral Society said: "Shine a light for Knaresborough's Bright Friday..we'll be singing with the Silver Band too..help us neutralise Black Friday!"

Coun Hannah Gostlow said: "Bright is the new black! Join us for our Bright Friday event on the 25th November in #Knaresborough."

Gilly Charters said: Give Black Friday a miss! Come to Bright Friday in #Knaresborough and support local retailers.

Knaresborough Tweets posted: "Bright Night is Knaresborough's antidote to Black Friday. Let's shine a light on our wonderful shops & be positive."

Harrogate round-up:

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There is more than a bargain or two to be had throughout Harrogate as well. H2k of Harrogate, independent skin care retailers, are offering luxury at a bargain. Today shoppers who spend £50 or more in store on Montpellier Parade will receive a free bottle of shampoo and conditioner worth more than £23 just by saying 'Black Friday 16' at the till.

If you're looking for a more practical present this Christmas, or perhaps you want to stock up your stationary supplies, Jespers of Harrogate are offering 10 per cent off everything in store today when shoppers quote 'Black Friday 10' between 9am and 5.30pm.

Sometimes the hardest people to buy for are best spoilt with an experience rather than something to unwrap. What better way to say Happy Christmas than to treat loved ones to a meal at Harrogate's Hotel du Vin bistro. £50 gift cards cost just £25 when you buy them today and are redeemable at Hotel du Vin Bistro restaurants.

Tonight at North Bar on Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate Tipple will be giving out free boxes of chocolates for every bottle of premium Harrogate gin you buy.

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The offer runs at the bar from 6pm onwards. What better way to end your Black Friday shopping than by kicking back with a pint or a G&T?

*Terms and conditions may apply to all deals, please check deals at their relevant websites for more information and ask for full details of the T&C's before you buy.*