Shoppers enjoy 40pc Black Friday discounts

DAR ES SALAAM: DAR ES SALAAM shoppers are flocking to stores, taking advantage of 20-40 per cent Black Friday discounts.

A recent survey by the ‘Daily News’ revealed that traders have significantly reduced prices, attracting many customers eager to grab the best deals. Mr Godlisten Laizer, a shop owner at Mlimani City, said over the weekend that he anticipates a surge in shoppers in the coming weeks.

“As the annual mega sale draws near, we anticipate a large influx of customers to retail stores eager to take advantage of the special deals,” Mr Laizer said.

He said Black Friday is less recognised at local shops, with only a few acknowledging the event, but it is a different case in the malls.

“From my own experience, I understand it, but for those who aren’t online shoppers, it’s harder for them to know about it. However, in recent years, it has become more familiar to Generation Z, the youth,” he said.

Ms Beata Komu, a clothing seller at Samora Avenue in Central Business District (CBD), said that since the Black Friday offers began in this month, the response has been fantastic.

“Experience shows that two days before Black Friday, customers are queuing for items, especially women’s wear,” she said.

The Zawadipoint owner, Ms Lucy Prosper, said although her business primarily focuses on gift packaging, they are offering 25 per cent off for this year’s Black Friday.

“Zawadipoint is one-stop solution,” Ms Prosper said. Wanlong’s Manager, Ms Consolata Shayo observed that customers typically start asking about Black Friday offers mid-this month. “Customers usually find out about these offers a little later and once they do, they flood the shops. “Personally, I didn’t know about it until I started working here some years back,” she said.

Ms Shayo said that during Black Friday, customers are especially interested in purchasing decorations and home appliances. A customer Rose Kinabo said that she prefers shopping during Black Friday because of the significant savings, with discounts of up to 40 per cent sometimes and the assurance that the products are guaranteed.

This year Black Friday sales started yesterday will run until up to Friday. Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving in the US, marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

The term “Black Friday” was first used in the 1960s by Philadelphia police to describe the chaotic, traffic-filled day as shoppers flocked to stores. Retailers later embraced the term, reinterpreting it as a reference to businesses moving “into the black” profit after being “in the red” loss throughout the year.

Over time, Black Friday evolved into a massive retail event, with stores offering deep discounts to attract shoppers. It expanded beyond physical stores to include online sales.

Today, Black Friday is a global shopping phenomenon, recognised in many countries with retailers offering significant promotions both in-store and online.