{$inpagemarkup}

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 636


Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
Read more…

ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases... Read more…

Independent retail crisis deepens as nearly half see sales plummet compared to last year

12 Aug 2025

Britain's high street crisis has deepened dramatically with nearly half of independent retailers, including many in the independent cycling retail sector, reporting sales have crashed compared... Read more…

Independent retailers slam £5.9bn "de minimis" import loophole as Government delays action

11 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has condemned the Government's inaction over the "de minimis" import loophole following a Sky News investigation revealing £5.9 billion worth of cheap imports... Read more…

Criminals undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards collapse

7 Aug 2025

Bira has warned that criminals are undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards services collapse, following a new Which? investigation.
Read more…

ACT welcomes Government's new product safety laws

23 Jul 2025

A leading cycle traders association has backed the government's move to protect consumers from dangerous products sold through online marketplaces, following Royal Assent of the Product... Read more…

Small Business Strategy Inquiry 2025 - ACT and Bira call for members to share their voice

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on... Read more…

Beyond the discount: Restoring integrity to the cycle supply chain

18 Jun 2025

The Association of Cycle Traders believes the time has come for greater accountability throughout our supply chain, writes ACT Director Jonathan Harrison in an article published for BikeBiz.
Read more…

Bira welcomes Wales' business rates proposals but calls for key improvements

11 Jun 2025

Bira has welcomed the Welsh Government's consultation on business rate reforms for retail shops, whilst calling for significant improvements to ensure the proposals truly support high street... Read more…

Back to news menu

Indie Shops to Boycott Black Friday

Posted on in Business News

Independent retailers across the UK are set to defy the Black Friday sales frenzy for the third year running, according to a survey conducted by Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association.

Indie Sh

The survey has revealed that 86% of independent retailers surveyed would not be participating in Black Friday – similar to three years ago when 85% had said they would not be taking part.

It also revealed that 69% said that Black Friday had a ‘negative impact’ on the high street, and that 67% had not previously participated in the event.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, ran the survey to showcase the resolute commitment of independent businesses to stand against the Black Friday tradition, citing concerns about the dominance of large retailers and e-commerce giants.

The decision to boycott the event comes amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, and the association also wanting to emphasise the importance of supporting local businesses and the broader economy.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: “The results speak for themselves, that this has been consistent from our independent traders for the past three years, and no doubt will continue. It’s not about our shops lacking competitive pricing, but rather a strategic move to support the high street and foster economic growth for all.

“From an indie retail perspective, Black Friday is seen as a big business, internet event. This makes it very hard for smaller retailers to compete, lacking the buying power of larger counterparts. In general, independent

retailers do not see Black Friday as an opportunity,” he added.

Comments from some of those taking part in the survey included:

“Black Friday epitomises the poor retail management of the multiples and high street stores who feel the need to constantly discount, and in turn are looking for cheaper and poorer quality product to satisfy margin.”

“Black Friday has very negative connotations – we would rather celebrate great independent shops by promoting our independence of choice, and true savings, rather than blindly follow what is in effect an American important too far.”

“I would prefer to have a genuine early sale promotion in the shop to loyal and regular customers.”

Mr Goodacre added, “Our independent retailers really are the beating heart of Britain, as they can offer so much more than prices that seem low but perhaps aren’t as good a deal as they at first appear. Our traders can give an array of goods, from everyday essentials to unique, one-of-a-kind finds and we want people to support that.”

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.