Black Friday is eating itself (even in Britain)

The biggest challenge for retailers is to make sure their websites don't break

It’s the US import British retailers could do without. Black Friday marks the start of what promises to be a difficult Christmas for retailers — and the blizzard of special offers is a sign this year will be tougher than ever.
 
With inflation outstripping wage growth and higher interest rates looming, consumers are turning more cautious than last year. Retail sales were weak in October. Some of that might be due to the period being warmer than the same month last year, deterring consumers from buying a new coat or boots. But many customers may have been holding back