Amazon sparked a massive rush, and some disappointment, among customers – but gained lots of media coverage - over its ‘Black Friday’ offers in the UK.

It attempted to give an early start to the pre-Christmas buying rush by offering lightning deals – short-term sales with limited quantities of each item. But its forums were soon crowded with comments from disgruntled customers who found the deals disappearing in a matter of seconds.

‘Black Friday’ is an American tradition, marking the end of Thanksgiving celebrations, and the start of the Christmas holiday shopping season. Amazon’s British version of Black Friday came a week before the US equivalent. The name comes from the implication that the bumper sales on this day see retailers emerge into profit for the year.

Comments from those who voiced their frustration at missing out on excellent deals were, however, balanced by many from happy shoppers who had been able to cross items off their Christmas gift list – and made substantial savings which helped them meet the cost of international shipping or delivery of their chosen items by a next day courier.



Article Added: 23/11/2010 10:41:58