ORIGIN OF BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is traditionally regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It is a day when retailers offer significant discounts and promotions to attract customers and boost sales.

The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia in the early 1960s, where it was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. Eventually, it came to be used by retailers to describe the day when their sales would put them “in the black,” meaning they would be profitable for the year.

Over time, Black Friday has become a major shopping event in the United States, with many retailers opening early and offering deep discounts to attract customers. The concept has also spread to other countries around the world, with many retailers in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia also participating in Black Friday sales.

BLACK FRIDAY IN NIGERIA

Black Friday in Nigeria is a major shopping event that takes place annually, typically in November. It is a day when retailers and e-commerce platforms offer deep discounts and special promotions on a wide range of products to attract customers and boost sales. Black Friday originated in the United States but has now become a global phenomenon, including in Nigeria.

During Black Friday in Nigeria, both online and brick-and-mortar stores offer discounts on various products, including electronics, fashion items, home appliances, beauty products, and more. Many retailers extend the Black Friday sale period to include Cyber Monday, providing customers with an extended period to take advantage of the discounts.

Black Friday in Nigeria has become a highly anticipated event among shoppers, as it offers the opportunity to save money and purchase desired items at significantly reduced prices. Many people use this opportunity to do their holiday shopping or to buy items they have been eyeing at discounted rates.

E-commerce platforms such as Jumia, Konga, and others play a significant role in Black Friday sales in Nigeria, offering a wide range of products and deals to attract customers. The popularity of Black Friday in Nigeria continues to grow, contributing to the country’s retail industry and providing consumers with an opportunity to shop for their favorite products at discounted prices.

TWO MAJOR E-COMMERCE PLAYERS IN NIGERIA

JUMIA BLACK FRIDAY

Jumia Black Friday is a major online shopping event organized by Jumia, a leading e-commerce platform in Africa. During the Jumia Black Friday sale, customers can expect to find a wide range of products at discounted prices, including electronics, fashion items, beauty products, home appliances, and more.

WHAT DOES THE JUMIA BLACK FRIDAY OFFER?

Jumia Black Friday offers a great opportunity for customers to save money and shop for a wide variety of products at discounted prices. Some of the typical offers available during Jumia Black Friday include:

1. Massive discounts on a wide range of products, with savings of up to 80% off regular prices.

2. Flash sales and limited-time deals on popular items.

3. Vouchers, coupons, and promotions that can be used to get additional discounts.

4. Special promotions such as buy one, get one free, or buy one, get one at a reduced price.

5. Exclusive deals on Jumia’s own brands and products.

KONGA BLACK FRIDAY

Konga Black Friday is a major online shopping event organized by Konga, one of Nigeria’s largest e-commerce platforms. During Konga Black Friday, customers can find a wide range of products at heavily discounted prices, similar to other Black Friday sales.

WHAT DOES THE KONGA BLACK FRIDAY OFFER?

Konga Black Friday is a highly anticipated event among online shoppers in Nigeria, as it offers a great opportunity to save money and shop for a variety of products at discounted prices. Customers can expect to find deals on electronics, fashion items, home appliances, beauty products, and more during the Konga Black Friday sale. Some of the typical offers available during Konga Black Friday include:

1. Deep discounts on a wide range of products, with discounts of up to 80% off regular prices.

2. Flash sales and limited-time deals on popular items.

3. Vouchers, coupons, and promotions that can be used to get additional discounts.

4. Special promotions such as buy one, get one free, or buy one, get one at a reduced price.

5. Exchange offers, gift cards, and other incentives to encourage purchases.

PROS AND AND CONS OF BLACK FRIDAY

PROS (ADVANTAGES) OF BLACK FRIDAY 

1. Discounts and Deals – Black Friday offers some of the best discounts and deals of the year, making it a great opportunity to save money on products you want or need.

2. Early Holiday Shopping – Black Friday falls at the start of the holiday shopping season, allowing you to get a head start on your holiday shopping and potentially save money in the process.

3. Variety of Products – Many retailers offer discounts on a wide range of products on Black Friday, giving you the opportunity to find deals on items from electronics to clothing to home goods.

4. Excitement and Atmosphere – Some people enjoy the excitement and thrill of Black Friday shopping, whether it’s the rush of finding a great deal or the fun of hunting for bargains.

5. Some Deals Aren’t Really Deals – While there are some great deals to be had on Black Friday, not all items are at their lowest price. There is an issue of quality and prices. For example, some items might actually be fake while some are cheaper as Christmas approaches.

6. Exciting Shopping Experience – For many shoppers, Black Friday is a fun and exciting experience that involves hunting for deals, navigating crowded stores, and celebrating successful finds with friends and family.

CONS (DISADVANTAGES) OF BLACK FRIDAY 

1. Crowds and Chaos – Black Friday is known for its crowds, long lines, and chaotic shopping environment, which can be overwhelming and stressful for some people.

2. Impulse Buying – The pressure to take advantage of limited-time deals and discounts can lead to impulse buying, where you purchase items you don’t truly need or want.

3. Limited Stock – Popular items on Black Friday can sell out quickly, meaning you may miss out on a deal if you aren’t able to purchase the item before it runs out of stock.

4. Pressure to Spend Money – Black Friday promotions and marketing tactics can create pressure to spend money, even if you weren’t planning to make purchases or don’t have the budget for it.

5. Ethical Concerns – Some people have ethical concerns about the consumerism and excessive consumption associated with Black Friday, as well as the impact on retail workers who may be required to work long hours or on holidays.

6. Some Deals Aren’t Really Deals – While there are some great deals to be had on Black Friday, not all items are at their lowest price. There is an issue of quality and prices. For example, some items might actually be fake while some are cheaper as Christmas approaches.

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Black Friday:

1. When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is traditionally the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which falls on the fourth Friday of November. However, in recent years, many retailers have extended Black Friday sales to begin earlier in the week and continue through the weekend.

2. What is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is the Monday following Black Friday, and it is focused on online shopping deals. It was created to encourage people to shop online and is now considered one of the biggest online shopping days of the year.

3. Why is it called Black Friday?

The term “Black Friday” originated in the 1960s to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It later became associated with retailers offering deep discounts to attract customers and turn their accounting books from red (losses) to black (profits).

4. Are Black Friday deals worth it?

Black Friday deals can be worth it if you are looking to purchase items that are available at discounted prices. However, not all deals are created equal, and it is essential to research prices beforehand to ensure you are getting a good deal.

5. What kinds of products are typically on sale on Black Friday?

Most retailers offer discounts on a wide range of products on Black Friday, including electronics (such as TVs, laptops, and smartphones), appliances, clothing, beauty products, toys, and more. Some retailers also offer deals on travel and experiences.

6. How can I prepare for Black Friday shopping?

To prepare for Black Friday shopping, make a list of items you want to purchase, set a budget, research prices beforehand, sign up for retailer newsletters for early access to deals, and be prepared to act quickly as popular items may sell out fast.

7. Can I shop Black Friday deals online?

Yes, many retailers offer Black Friday deals online, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home. Online shopping can be a convenient way to take advantage of Black Friday deals without dealing with crowds in physical stores.

8. Do all countries participate in Black Friday?

While Black Friday originated in the United States, it has now become a global shopping event, with many countries participating in the sales and promotions. In addition to the United States, Black Friday is popular in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Nigeria, among others.