Thousands sign up for anti-Black Friday event calling for people to buy nothing instead

Black Friday shoppers wrestle for TVs at Asda in Wembley, London, last year Credit: Reuters

As tens thousands of bargain-hungry shoppers dust off their Black Friday battle clothes and set their alarm clocks early, an online campaign is calling for people to find something else to spend their money on tomorrow.

Nothing.

In protest at the UK's adoption of the American store tradition of slashing prices the day after Thanksgiving in an effort to boost pre-Christmas sales, more than 26,000 people have now signed up to Buy Nothing Friday - and thousands more have expressed interest.

It comes after Asda announced it would not take part in Black Friday this year, saying shoppers did not want to be "held hostage" to one or two days a year.

Set up on Facebook by Edinburgh-based Sam Machin, Buy Nothing Friday is one of several such online campaigns inspired by Canadian artist Ted Dave, urging people to spend time with friends and family or volunteer for charity instead.

Other events call for people to use local, independent shops instead of major chains, or donate cash to a good cause.

Black Friday shoppers compete for bargains at Asda in Wembley last year Credit: Reuters

On the Facebook page, Machin said:

Another event, originating in Colorado, USA, labels it a chance to do a 'shopping detox' as well as drawing attention to the problem of "over-consumption."

Last year, UK shoppers spent £810 million online on Black Friday - and analysts believe this year could see business break the £1 billion mark.

What do you think?