Black Friday: Long queues and the hunt for ‘big savings’ [VIDEO]

Queues as far as the eye can see started forming at shopping centres across the country on Friday morning.

Black Friday is a shopping event where retailers offer big discounts on a wide range of products.

It’s usually held on the last Friday of November, following Thanksgiving in the United States.

ALSO READ: Black Friday: City of Tshwane offers special to clear R28bn debts

While most retailers opted to have month-long specials or weekend deals, some kept the tradition of one-day-only “must-have” deals.

At Woodmead, Johannesburg, shoppers queued from the early hours.

Some told broadcaster eNCA that they are set on purchasing branded sneakers after saving their money for this specific date.

WATCH: Shoppers waiting in the queue

Retailers are hoping for a shopping frenzy, but this year, things may be different. With a stagnant economy and the rising cost of living, will consumers still splurge, or has the economic pinch changed their spending habits? #eNCA reporter @pule_jones is in Johannesburg tracking… pic.twitter.com/wzHB5Mw4m6

— eNCA (@eNCA) November 29, 2024

Phuti Ndhlovu, a social media user on X, shared a video on the platform showcasing the long queue outside the centre in Woodmead.

ALSO READ: Black Friday: How to avoid impulsive and emotional shopping

The queue at Woodmead is amazing 😳 these people are waiting to just enter the centre… pic.twitter.com/DVSnercXlc

— Phuti Ndhlovu (@phutindhlovu) November 29, 2024

The private security company Vision Tactical are in attendance to maintain order at the shopping centre. They shared images of them with shoppers.

🚨 Supporting Black Friday Operations in Woodmead! 🚨

Our team is on the ground, providing additional support to our clients as they open their doors to the Black Friday rush 🛍️👥.

We’re here to ensure a safe and smooth shopping experience for everyone. 💪🔒 #VisionTactical… pic.twitter.com/Lv4Aba8fMu

— Vision Tactical (@visiontactical) November 29, 2024

Black Friday must use tips for a smarter, safer shopping spree

Black Friday and the festive season are the biggest shopping events of the year, but consumers and busy retailers can become victims.

“Black Friday presents the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to steal money, obtain data and gain access to corporate systems unnoticed. This also means gaining consumers’ personal information,” says Reza Joseph, ICT and Network Security Product Manager at Itec South Africa.

Cybercrime also affects businesses. Joseph notes how phishing emails offering ‘phoney’ discounts and promotions are often sent by criminals posing as real shops to consumers. This, he said, might damage the company’s standing with clients.

ALSO READ: Tips on how not to overspend on Black Friday

Criminal conduct tends to increase when expenditure is at the forefront.

Black Friday shopping can be both thrilling and overwhelming, according to Francois Wirth, chief information officer at BrightRock.

“While big discounts grab our attention, it’s easy to overlook hidden risks and opportunities.”

Wirth said consumers need to safeguard their data, money, and peace of mind when shopping.

NOW READ: Black Friday: Must use tips for a smarter, safer shopping spree