Black November blunts frenzy

SALE: MONTH-LONG SPECIALS RESHAPE BEHAVIOUR

- Hein Kaiser

South African retailers are heading into Black Friday today and the festive season with mixed expectations, reflecting both optimism in the grocery and electronics sectors and caution among fashion and small businesses.

While tills are expected to ring, the frenzy that once defined Black Friday has given way to a more measured Black November, where specials are rolled out across the month.

At Shoprite and Checkers, Black Friday remains a major commercial lever. Chief executive Neil Schreuder said stock planning began 11 weeks ago to secure supply of high-demand basics such as rice, pasta, chicken, beans, oil, cheese, coffee and chocolate.

“Customers still shop on Black Friday to reduce food bills first,” he said.

The Checkers delivery service, Sixty60, recorded its highest yet online throughput during its Early Black Friday campaign from 20 to 23 November, picking 7.5 million products with over 1.9 million users engaging the app.

Schreuder also noted strong sales of higher-value items, including Dyson floor systems, Sno-Master fridges, Doona car seats and robotic pool cleaners.