No gloom on Black Friday for Yorkshire-based Maplin

Black Friday - which is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the US - is the latest American “tradition” to be embraced by the UK. Many shops reported stronger trading last Friday, with large crowds gathering outside some stores in search of Christmas bargains.

Maplin Electronics said that it achieved its best ever online sales day on Black Friday.

Last Friday, Maplin’s online sales rose by more than 70 per cent on a like-for-like basis, and store sales also increased by more than 30 per cent.

John Cleland, the chief executive of Maplin, said: “Online sales were driven by traffic to the site across the whole week and across all categories.

“We’ve seen specialist items trending, such as £2,000 metal detectors, along with practical technology like VHS-to-DVD kits and, of course, drones have been a really hot item this year.

“But it’s not simply substitution of store sales.

“Our click and collect service has been particularly popular and our store sales are up over 30 per cent, boosted by the technological advice our store colleagues give, so that our customers get the best solution for their tech needs.”

A spokesman added: “In its 217 stores, Maplin’s top sellers included MiP Robot.

“Cyber Monday also proved a huge success for the retailer with products such as the 3Doodler selling out in just two hours.”

The company, which is based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, employs 2,500 staff and was founded more than 40 years ago.

A company spokesman said that Maplin could not release any detailed sales statistics ahead of its next official trading update.

Amazon, the US online shopping giant, trumpeted the busiest-ever day at its UK business on Friday, smashing last year’s record.

However, some church leaders have been unimpressed with the growth of the shopping phenomenon.