Black Friday 2023 in South Africa | Everything you need to know
Black Friday, also known as the biggest shopping day, is on 24 November 2023 in South Africa.
What stores in South Africa already have Black Friday deals?
Although many retailers like Woolworths SA, Game, Makro and Superbalist have already kicked-off their sales for Black Friday.
When did Black Friday start in South Africa?
The first retailer to adopt Black Friday in South Africa was Checkers in 2014.
Why is it called Black Friday?
The first time the term ‘Black Friday’ was used to describe the crash of the U.S. gold market on 24 September 24 1869.
During the 1950s in Philadelphia, police used the term ‘Black Friday’ to describe how chaotic the day after Thanksgiving was in the city.
The reason it was so chaotic is that many shoppers and tourists flooded the city ahead of the big Army-Navy football game that was held on that Saturday every year. The result was massive crowds and traffic.
Black Friday and the relationship with massive sales at retailers:
It was during the late 1980s that retailers found a way to reinvent Black Friday and turn it into something positive for themselves and their customers. They promoted the idea that the day after Thanksgiving was a day for retailers to go from the red to black (from a loss to a profit).
Black Friday predictions in South Africa 2023
According to an article published by BusinessTech, there is a projected retail turnover of R26.6 billion for South African retailers on this day. That’s up from last year’s R19 billion, but still behind the R42 billion in 2021.
Many South African consumers are, however, focusing on looking out for deals with necessities such as groceries, clothing, products for the household and hardware for maintenance and home repairs.
Must-know tips to make the most out of Black Friday
Even though we believe the biggest saving would be not making any purchases during this time, if you really still want to shop this Black Friday, these are some tips that could help you:
1. Set a spending limit for your purchases.
Don’t risk becoming tempted by all the good deals on offer. First set yourself a spending limit and really try to stick to it.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of Black Friday and overspend on things you don't really need. That's why it's important to set a spending limit before you start shopping. Take a look at your budget and determine how much you can afford to spend without putting yourself in financial strain. Once you have a number in mind, stick to it no matter what.
2. Do your research beforehand.
Many retailers release their Black Friday deals ahead of time, so take advantage of this and make a list of the favourite branded items you're interested in. It's also a good idea to compare prices across different stores to ensure you're getting the best deal possible. While you're researching the deals, why not read reviews and check the quality of the products you're considering purchasing before actually doing so.
3. Be mindful of your purchases!
A sale doesn't not necessarily mean you need it. Stick to your shopping list and only buy items that you truly need or have been planning to purchase for a while. Avoid impulse buying and think twice before adding something to your cart.
4. Prioritise taking care of yourself during this busy shopping season.
Stay hydrated, take breaks, and don't let the stress of finding the best deals consume you. Remember, Black Friday is just one day, and there will always be other sales and opportunities to save money throughout the year.
5. Don't use the same password across different websites.
Using the same passwords can compromise your security and leave you vulnerable to potential hackers. It's better to set a new, strong password for the different websites you visit.
6. Use Black Friday to save on Christmas gifts
Instead of just looking at must-have items for yourself, why not see where you can save with your Christmas shopping. This could be Christmas gifts or decor.
7. Compare the deals in store and online
Some retailers offer exclusive online discounts that you may miss out on if you only go into stores on the day. It's important to compare deals online and in the store.
However, if you're eager to shop in store, start early in the day to avoid the crowds and long lines. Many stores offer early bird specials and limited-time deals, so being one of the first customers can give you an advantage.
Shopping online can also reduce the stress of having to face hoards of people and getting stuck in traffic.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of Black Friday without breaking the bank. Stick to your budget, do your research, and be mindful of your purchases. When shopping online, try and not use the same password when signing up for different accounts online. And remember, the best tip for saving this Black Friday, is not shopping at all!