It is disappointing that the Orchard Road Business Association (Orba) shelved plans for Black Friday sales ("Black Friday, Singapore-style, for some in Orchard Rd"; Nov 24).

The main reasons cited were that Black Friday is a mostly e-commerce festival and that physical retailers cannot compete with online stores on prices.

Orba also said that Black Friday will clash with stores' Christmas promotions.

The unwillingness or inability to think unconventionally, and sticking to age-old dogmas and practices in the face of a changing world are what will keep the retail sector in the doldrums.

Retailers miss a golden opportunity by writing off Black Friday.

All shoppers want a bargain. Retailers should stop worrying about how Black Friday clashes with their Christmas promotions, and see things from shoppers' views instead.

Michael Loh Toon Seng (Dr)