French firms in talks to postpone Black Friday until shops reopen
Amazon's French division said on Thursday it was open to delaying its November "Black Friday" sale into December if the government allows shops to reopen after weeks of lockdown.
Smaller businesses have complained that they would lose out to the online giant if it is allowed to go ahead with the annual promotional event, originally imported from the US, while their doors remain closed.
"We've decided to push back the date of 'Black Friday' if that allows shops and physical stores to reopen before December 1st," Amazon France boss Frederic Duval told broadcaster TF1.
The sale had been planned for November 27th but could instead take place on December 4th, he added.
France is under lockdown until at least December 1st, after which some restrictions could be lifted, including allowing the reopening of 'non essential' shops, which are currently closed - although businesses are permitted to offer a 'click and collect' service.
READ ALSO French politicians join calls to boycott Amazon this Christmas
Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire had on Wednesday asked retailers to "postpone" the massive sale, and talks with the sector were slated for Friday.
On Thursday he hailed "the spirit of responsibility" shown by sellers who have agreed to delay the promotion.
Japan-based Rakuten's French chief Fabien Versavau said the company was prepared to be "flexible" as long as other firms played along.
And major supermarket chains like Carrefour have also said they are ready to cooperate.
The American tradition of Black Friday usually follows Thanksgiving and is a day of online sales and shop discounts.
It has spread across Europe in recent years, including to France where it proved controversial even before the pandemic.
Last year's event was marked by protests and calls for boycotts as environmental groups said that the day encourages over-consumption, while trade unions warned that it damages local retailers.
Comments
See Also
Smaller businesses have complained that they would lose out to the online giant if it is allowed to go ahead with the annual promotional event, originally imported from the US, while their doors remain closed.
"We've decided to push back the date of 'Black Friday' if that allows shops and physical stores to reopen before December 1st," Amazon France boss Frederic Duval told broadcaster TF1.
The sale had been planned for November 27th but could instead take place on December 4th, he added.
France is under lockdown until at least December 1st, after which some restrictions could be lifted, including allowing the reopening of 'non essential' shops, which are currently closed - although businesses are permitted to offer a 'click and collect' service.
READ ALSO French politicians join calls to boycott Amazon this Christmas
Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire had on Wednesday asked retailers to "postpone" the massive sale, and talks with the sector were slated for Friday.
On Thursday he hailed "the spirit of responsibility" shown by sellers who have agreed to delay the promotion.
Japan-based Rakuten's French chief Fabien Versavau said the company was prepared to be "flexible" as long as other firms played along.
And major supermarket chains like Carrefour have also said they are ready to cooperate.
The American tradition of Black Friday usually follows Thanksgiving and is a day of online sales and shop discounts.
It has spread across Europe in recent years, including to France where it proved controversial even before the pandemic.
Last year's event was marked by protests and calls for boycotts as environmental groups said that the day encourages over-consumption, while trade unions warned that it damages local retailers.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.