Retailers must gear up safely for peak trading days
November 29 (Black Friday) and the following day are pegged as two of the busiest shopping days this year.
As SA retailers gear up for Black Friday and the festive season, the risk of retail theft increases alongside the surge in foot traffic.
The Fidelity Services Group, the exclusive partner of Sensormatic in the Southern Hemisphere, is at the forefront of helping retailers mitigate this risk by enhancing security and loss prevention efforts.
Charnel Hattingh, the group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity Services Group, says, “Sensormatic is contracted to over 10 000 stores, including cross-border operations, protecting over 41m items on shelves with Sensormatic tags. This gives retailers peace of mind, knowing their merchandise is well protected during high-traffic periods.”
According to Sensormatic’s data for SA, the top five busiest shopping days for 2024 are expected to be:
• November 29: Black Friday;
• November 30: Day after Black Friday;
• December 14: Second Saturday before Christmas;
• December 21: Super Saturday;
• December 23: Monday before Christmas.
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These predictions are based on historical retail traffic data compiled and analysed by Sensormatic Solutions through its ShopperTrak Analytics solution.
Armed with these insights, retailers can better prepare by optimising staffing, stock and promotions to accommodate the expected surge in shoppers.
“Black Friday continues to dominate SA retail, with stores experiencing an influx of shoppers eager to snap up deals.
“By leveraging Sensormatic’s data-driven insights, retailers can minimise shrinkage and enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring shelves are well-stocked and staff are ready during peak hours,” Hattingh adds.
As digital engagement and convenience grow in importance, retailers are also likely to invest more in e-commerce platforms, personalised customer experiences, and omnichannel strategies.
“Retailers are increasingly implementing contactless payment options, such as QR codes, to provide seamless and safe checkout experiences.
“As consumers continue to embrace the convenience and security of contactless payments, we expect to see notable transformations in the local retail landscape in the foreseeable future,” she concludes.
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