UPDATE: Thousands of shoppers storm North Coast malls on Black Friday

Thousands of North Coast residents flocked to shopping malls last week to take full advantage of the massive Black Friday specials.

The Ballito Junction Regional Mall welcomed 66 296 shoppers on Friday, which is a significant increase from the usual 32 000 to 38 000 Friday month-end traffic.

“We also gave away one hundred R200 shopping vouchers to lucky customers simply for being spotted at the mall on Black Friday,” said centre CEO Geraldine Jorgensen.

“The community response to Black Friday was overwhelmingly positive and we are so pleased to share in that excitement by giving shoppers the opportunity to treat themselves to something special on us.”

The Ballito Lifestyle Centre had about 22 000 people visiting the newly renovated shopping centre, 7000 more than the 15 000 shoppers they get on a normal day, while KwaDukuza Mall manager, Raveshin Veerasamy, said they had about 23 000 shoppers, compared to the daily average of 12 000.

Game at the Ballito Junction, which opened at midnight, saw an eager 500-strong crowd waiting for the roll-up doors to come up, while Checkers welcomed more than 8000 customers – more than double the number they usually receive.

Hirsch’s CEO Allan Hirsch said sales were up by 25% from last year with queuing outside the night before to take advantage of the sales.

“We had big dreams and big plans for Black Friday, but one has to take the state of the economy into consideration, so some of our team members were concerned with the goals we set for Black Friday this year.

“We were totally amazed, therefore, to find that our sales were 25% up on last year.

“It just goes to show, that yes, the economy is tight, but when there is great value for money, people come out,” said Hirsch.

But the store owners were not the only one benefiting from the deals.

Nokubonga Msane said she had been planning to buy a new television at the end of the year, and thanks to the Black Friday specials at Game, she managed to get her TV R3 000 cheaper.

Dederé Losper from Stanger said she originally planned to buy only a microwave and a vacuum cleaner, but because she got them at such a good deal, she was also able to buy groceries for her family.

“I am really happy with the specials. The items that I have bought were really cheap!” said Losper.

WATCH: Hundreds storm Game Ballito at midnight for Black Friday specials

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