Black Friday frenzy takes Polokwane by storm

Consumer frenzy marking Black Friday fever in Polokwane has hit the city this morning (Friday) with thousands of shoppers cashing in on irresistible retail deals in the run-up to the festive season rush.

Mall of the North General Manager Sumari de Ridder indicated that their projected figures for today entailed an estimated 45 700 visitors. According to the latest count it thus far stands at 29 000 visitors since this morning. It was, however, not yet aligned with the annual rush on 24 December last year when they had 51 000 shoppers, but close to the alternative busiest days of the year when they have extended shopping hours or the week prior to Christmas when an average 44 000 people a day visit the mall.

According to her 80% of their tenants were on board with Black Friday specials this year, as opposed to Checkers having been the only tenant to participate the first time two years back and several others taking part last year.

With today’s expected rush in mind they have obtained the services of extra security and cleaning staff, she explained. She added that they have also appointed an engineer to look into accelerated synchronised traffic flow to and from the mall, for the benefit of shoppers but also the surrounding area prior to Black Friday and the looming festive season.

According to her Black Friday had thus far not been marred by any incidents, except for a sensor device at one of the retail chain stores being damaged in the rush.

Elsewhere in town at Makro Polokwane the rush was seemingly similar to that experienced when the store opened five years ago and stock flew off the shelves, according to a store representative. While describing it as very busy, she added that all was calm without squabbles. She said the biggest rush was at 08:00 when the store opened this morning after a crowd had already formed outside. Apparently the biggest specials were on general merchandise varying from small to large appliances. They were already out of stock on air-conditioners, she pointed out. Their specials continue until Sunday at 16:00 or until stocks last, it was learnt.

Story: YOLANDE NEL
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