Does Black Friday really exist on the Dartmoor high street? Tavistock traders give their verdict

Black Friday has become one of the biggest shopping events of the year across the UK, but how far does this national retail push reach a traditional Dartmoor market town like Tavistock? 

A check of the high street on Friday shows a mixed picture, with some businesses feeling a clear boost and others treating the day as just the start of a payday weekend rush.

Trade across most independent shops had been steady but unremarkable during the week, however, several businesses said Friday itself was noticeably livelier.

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At Rival Records, owner John Chapple said the days leading up to Black Friday had been “pretty flat”, but Friday morning saw a sudden rise in trade. 

“Today has definitely been busier than a usual Friday,” he said. “Those who have come in have been spending well. The special Black Friday Record Store Day pressings have definitely attracted customers.”

By midday, the shop had already taken the same amount it usually makes on a full Saturday. 

ABOVE: Rival Records was stocking limited Black Friday Record Store Day pressings (Image: Jamie Townsend)

John also noted that payday weekend “definitely helps” and, like many traders, he is expecting a much bigger boost during next week’s Dickensian Evening, which he described as “one of the best days of the year”.

At Oggy Oggy, manager Kenny Lake also reported strong footfall. “It’s been a busy day so far,” he said. “With it being a payday weekend, people are more inclined to spend.” 

Stock was selling well, but he too expects Dickensian Evening to dwarf Black Friday in terms of takings: “It’s always our best evening of the year for sales.”

ABOVE: Oggy Oggy's stock was selling well (Image: Jamie Townsend)

Some businesses were quieter; at Flapjackery, Elaine said the morning had been “not too busy so far” but was confident the weekend trade would increase. 

The shop introduced a Black Friday offer, spend over £30 and receive a £5 voucher. “Some customers don’t realise and are pleased, and some are coming in asking for it,” she said. 

She also noted the impact of rising costs: “It’s understandably quieter as everything is more expensive these days.”

ABOVE: Flapjackery were running a special Black Friday offer (Image: Jamie Townsend)

One of the clearest Black Friday deals was seen at Saltrock, where a large banner displayed the nationwide 30 per cent off everything deal.

A member of staff said the shop's ”clear visual presence” certainly helped, and noted there had been “good footfall” in the town centre on Friday afternoon.

They added that shoppers were actively seeking out deals. “A friend of mine was going shopping specifically because it’s Black Friday today,” they said.

ABOVE: Saltrock were running a national Black Friday offer (Image: Jamie Townsend)

Shoppers on the high street gave similar impressions. 

Connor and Ollie, visiting local stores, said it was “nice to have a browse” and that Tavistock was “a good place to do shopping in the lead-up to Christmas”, with both saying they preferred supporting local businesses when looking for gifts.

So, does Black Friday exist on the Dartmoor high street? Based on Friday’s trade, the answer seems to be partly. 

The event brings increased footfall and spending for some businesses, especially those offering deals or special stock, but many traders still see traditional local events, such as Dickensian Evening, as far more important for their year’s income.

For Tavistock, Black Friday appears less a single defining shopping event and more an early spark for the festive events in the town and the payday weekend ahead.