Black Friday here, Black Friday there: discount signs and discount balloons were also omnipresent in Solothurn
The last Friday in November has been the day of the big discount battle for several years. Liquidation sales also began in the Weltbild store in Solothurn.
The closest thing to a Black Friday mood is the Weltbild store on Gurzelngasse. Worldview? Does it still exist? Actually not. The Swiss Weltbild publishing house went bankrupt in August and all branches closed immediately.
Black Friday in the old town in Solothurn.
Image: Fabio Vonarburg
But now, just in time for Black Friday, the liquidation sale began in Solothurn. “Everything has to go” – this was how it was advertised, and customers were attracted with big discounts. A corresponding number of people flocked to the small shop on Friday. And this will probably not be any different in the coming days.
Black Friday can be read on many signs
Subjectively speaking, there are more passers-by in the alleys of Solothurn’s old town on this Friday afternoon. How many of them came to town for Black Friday? However, those who are asked about it usually say no. That’s not why she came to the city, says one woman. An older lady says “Nope,” someone else waves and laughs.
Balloons also indicated discounts on Friday.
Image: Fabio Vonarburg
“No, no,” says another passer-by. Did she know that today was the big discount day, Black Friday? “Who doesn’t know that?” she replies, “you’re bombarded by it.” In fact, it’s impossible to miss Black Friday in Solothurn’s old town. Numerous signs and balloons with various discounts advertised indicate this.
Black Friday is a global story that primarily affects the large chain stores, according to the Solothurn City and Trade Association when asked. The smaller owner-operated businesses would participate less.
The words “Black Friday” could be read in front of several stores.
Image: Fabio Vonarburg
This is confirmed by the walk through the old town. It is mainly shops like Manor, Ochsner Sport or Calida that advertise discounts. Some of them turned Black Friday into a Black Weekend or a Black Week. Meanwhile, most smaller local stores don’t have a Black Friday sign in front of their doors.
Sunday sales are coming up
What Black Friday heralded in at the latest is the Christmas business. In Solothurn there are two Sunday sales during Advent. This year on December 15th and 22nd, when many shops are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are already signs advertising this in the city, for example one in front of the Basel Gate.
Last year, the first weekend attracted more passers-by to the city, the second weekend was better in terms of sales, according to the Solothurn City and Trade Association.
Back to the Weltbild branch: This shows that discounts also make you want to buy things that you don’t actually need. “What do you want with ceramic paint?” a mother asks her two-year-old child, who is also happy about a small toy crocodile.
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