Let’s be honest – ten years ago, most of us were scratching our heads at this whole Black Friday phenomenon. Now? It’s bigger than Christmas shopping in many African cities! From Mall of Africa in Johannesburg to Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, everyone’s caught the fever. But hold your horses, let’s get smart about this.
Black Friday: The Physical Hustle Remember last year when Aunty Blessing literally ran through Shoprite in her six-inch heels for a discounted TV? Don’t be Aunty Blessing. Here’s how we do it in 2024:
- The Scout Mission
- Visit stores beforehand (yes, like a proper detective)
- Make friends with shop attendants (a little “how’s your day?” goes a long way)
- Download store apps for price tracking (technology is your friend!)
- The Strategy
- Create your shopping list NOW (not when you’re already in Sarit Centre!)
- Set price alerts on Konga and Jumia
- Have your M-PESA, bank apps, and cards ready
Cyber Monday: The Digital Dance Ah, shopping in your kaftan from the comfort of your couch – now that’s what I call progress! But wait, there’s more to it:
- The Prep Work
- Test your internet connection (we all know how temperamental it can be)
- Bookmark your favorite sites
- Create accounts beforehand (nobody has time for registration during sales)
- The Smart Shopper’s Toolkit
- Compare prices across multiple platforms (Jumia vs. Kilimall vs. Takealot)
- Use price comparison tools
- Keep multiple payment options ready (because you know, network issues)
The African Shopper’s Special Tips
- Be Platform Savvy
- Local sites often have better deals than international ones
- Watch out for shipping costs from overseas
- Check delivery times (especially for inter-country shipping)
- Money Matters
- Set up mobile money alerts
- Keep some emergency airtime for internet data
Here’s something uniquely African – we shop better together! Create a WhatsApp group with friends to:
- Share deals in real-time
- Split shipping costs
- Watch out for scams (because Mama Nzombile’s got your back!)
The Timeline Strategy
- Black Friday: Go for big-ticket items early
- Cyber Monday: Focus on fashion, electronics, and digital products
- Mid-day: Take a break, drink some zobo, and check your budget!
Remember!
- If it looks too good to be true, ask your tech-savvy nephew first
- Keep your receipts (screenshot everything!)
- Don’t forget to breathe between purchases
As we say in my compound, “A fool and their money are soon parted, but a wise shopper and their savings grow together.” Whether you’re hunting deals in Nairobi’s Westgate Mall or clicking away on Takealot in Cape Town, remember: the best deal is the one that leaves both your wallet and your peace of mind intact.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go charge all my power banks and prepare my shopping lists. May your internet be strong and your deals be plenty!
P.S. Don’t forget to share your shopping wins in the comments below! And remember, if you see Aunty Blessing running towards you in any mall, just step aside – that woman is on a mission!