Fewer treats, more eats: Black Friday here to stay, but don't expect a blowout

Just over a decade since its first arrival in SA, Black Friday is now a part of the retail zeitgeist, with analysts agreeing the discount sales concept from the US is here to stay.

But even with the momentum it has gained over the years, 2023 may prove to be one of the more difficult Black Fridays yet, analysts say. While cash-strapped consumers are no doubt keen for bargains, whether they have enough spending firepower to make this November a bonanza for retailers is another story.

In the years since 2012, when Takealot.com first brought Black Friday to SA, it has also evolved from a one-off day event to a series of staggered specials over several weeks.