This year, not so much. I'm happy to say that this year it's the stores who are nursing their wounds, having reduced their prices without increasing their footfall by the hoped-for amount as, revolted by last year's scenes, people stayed at home. My bet is that next year it will have disappeared.
The response of the Booksellers Association to Black Friday, though, was very well received and let's hope that it does become a fixture in the calendar. They have instigated Civilised Saturday, when independent bookshops laid on treats for their customers, offering 'a relaxed atmosphere, great books and no panic.' And afternoon tea with crustless sandwiches and possibly even a glass of fizz.
It's all very British. Never mind 'Greed is good.' We'll settle for 'Nothing like a nice cup of tea' - or even a glass of Prosecco - and a good book
