Black Friday in the Balearic Islands: small businesses speak of a "disaster" and large chains of success
Small businesses estimate a 20% drop in sales and complain that they cannot compete with massive discounts.
PalmBlack Friday has already passed in the Balearic Islands, and the opinions of small businesses and large retailers there couldn't be more different. While local shops describe it as a "disaster" and a "negative campaign," large chains maintain that sales are going well and they have "good prospects" for the start of the Christmas season.
The vice president of Afedeco, Pedro Miró, laments that massive discounts are "suffocating" small businesses and causing a drop in sales that he estimates will be around 20% this year. "People wait for these days to buy things with 30% or 50% discounts," he criticizes. He also warns that the economic pressure on families—housing and the increasingly expensive grocery basket—is leading them to prioritize "necessities" and forgo "indulgences."
Green Friday
The president of Pimeco, Carolina Domingo, admitted in statements to Europa Press that Black Friday is not "particularly beneficial," but they have noticed "increased foot traffic" and that the campaign "brings forward Christmas shopping." Even so, she insists that November "comes to a standstill" and advocates for a "Green Friday" that promotes responsible purchasing. "Small businesses adapt their discounts as best they can, between 10 and 20%, because they can't compete with the large online platforms," she emphasized.
However, David Gracia, representative of ANGED, maintains that Black Friday remains a "significant stimulus" for sales, especially in fashion, accessories, and electronics. He asserts that the situation in the Balearic Islands is no different from other regions and emphasizes that purchases are spread throughout November. The association forecasts that commercial activity will increase by 3% this year in Spain.
Price Control
The campaign has also reignited the debate on price controls. Miró recalled the fine imposed in 2023 on large chains like Carrefour and MediaMarkt for price manipulation. "Small businesses don't adjust prices at all: if we raise prices by 10%, it's a real 10%," he stated. Gracia, for his part, claims to be unaware of the details of the penalty and focuses on Asian platforms that operate with "tax exemptions" and products that often "do not comply" with European regulations.
Given this situation, Afedeco argues that the state commerce law should be amended to limit off-season sales and prevent "continuous promotions" that harm local businesses. "Before, we all started in January and July. Now, they can pull any old stunt at any time. That needs to be addressed," Miró concludes.