Smart Small and Medium Enterprises will start their Black Friday 2025 planning now

AS SOUTH Africa's retail landscape gears up for the highly anticipated Black Friday sales in November, a critical message is emerging from the frontlines of small and medium enterprises (SMEs): this peak shopping moment should not solely be viewed as a surge in sales but as an essential opportunity to bolster resilience and unlock new growth avenues.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN

Lula, a leading SME services provider, has highlighted the unique challenges and significant prospects that come with this significant trading period, which anticipates billions in transactions across online and in-store platforms.

Garth Rossiter, Chief Risk Officer at Lula, said that while Black Friday represents a remarkable opportunity for businesses to showcase their offerings, it also serves as a rigorous stress test for operational efficiency and cash management, particularly for SMEs often eclipsed by their larger counterparts.

“Black Friday has become a stress test for businesses generally and small businesses in particular.

“It is a massive opportunity for businesses to make their mark, but has the ability to highlight both business strengths and weaknesses, from cash flow to cyber resilience.

“Business owners should carefully consider acting on any gaps they see to help them grow and expand their business prospects,’ Rossiter said.

Identifying hidden gaps