Early Black Friday 2025 Deals: Woolworths, Amazon, Makro and More Kick Off South Africa’s Biggest Sale Month

South Africa’s retail scene is heating up early this year. With just a month to go before Black Friday officially lands on 28 November, big-name brands are already rolling out their early dealsand shoppers are ready.

Black Friday Comes Early

If there’s one thing South African shoppers have learned, it’s that waiting until the last Friday of November isn’t necessary anymore. Retailers have turned the once single-day event into a month-long sale marathon, and 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest yet.

Makro and Game were among the first to strike, launching their “Black November” deals on 24 October. Builders, their sibling under the Massmart group, wasn’t far behindbecoming the first DIY retailer to join the fray with tool, paint, and appliance discounts.

Not to be outdone, The Foschini Group (TFG) has brought its own flair through the Bash platform, offering up to 70% off select items across its brands. These include popular fashion and lifestyle labels available both online and in stores. Some deals, TFG notes, will be Bash-exclusiveso it pays to double-check where to shop.

Woolworths Leads With Rewards

Woolworths has jumped into the action early too, with its “November Deals” campaign already underway. The retailer promises up to 50% off for members of its new MyDifference rewards programme, encouraging loyal customers to shop both in-store and online. New deals will drop weekly, keeping shoppers checking back for fresh markdowns.

Amazon Joins South Africa’s Sale Season

Online giant Amazon.co.za is also joining the country’s deal frenzy, launching its early Black Friday specials on 31 October. Discounts of up to 40% will run through November, with extra savings for customers using the Amazon app.

Meanwhile, Takealot’s famous Blue Dot Saleoften credited with pioneering South Africa’s e-commerce Black Friday rushremains under wraps, though the company is expected to announce its start date soon.

Home And Lifestyle Brands Join The Race

South Africans looking to spruce up their homes ahead of the holidays can also expect plenty of bargains. Coricraft has already kicked off its Black Friday furniture sales, while Hirsch’s has confirmed its “Black November” event begins on 31 October.

Other retailers including Clicks, Superbalist, and Mr Price are teasing their own upcoming offers, setting the stage for a busy and competitive shopping month.

How Black Friday Evolved In South Africa

Black Friday’s roots may be American, but South Africa has made it its own. First introduced locally around 2012, and popularised by Checkers in 2014, the concept has shifted from one day of chaos to a full month of sales.

Unlike the US, where shoppers queue overnight for TVs and gaming consoles, local consumers use Black Friday to stretch household budgets. Many stock up on essentialsthink groceries, toiletries, and school supplieswhile others take advantage of deals on electronics and homeware. Air-fryers, unsurprisingly, continue to top the charts for most-wanted items.

This more practical approach reflects South Africa’s economic reality. After years of stagnant salary growth and tight budgets, 2025 marks a turning point. Analysts predict stronger consumer spending this year, supported by improved real wage growth and renewed confidence in the retail sector.

What To Expect This Year

With new players like Walmart officially entering South Africa’s retail market, 2025 could bring record-breaking sales across categories. From budget groceries to high-end gadgets, competition is fierceand customers stand to benefit most.

As the festive season approaches, shoppers can expect fresh deals to drop weekly across physical and online stores. Whether you’re hunting for early Christmas gifts, upgrading your tech, or simply stocking up before the holidays, November 2025 promises to deliver one thing in abundance: big savings.

{Source:Business Tech}

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