Staff Writer
Black Friday has become a major event on Namibia’s retail calendar. It has shifted from an imported idea to a period that shapes how consumers spend and how businesses plan. For retailers, it is a chance to boost revenue and connect with customers. For consumers, it offers savings but carries the risk of financial strain when approached without discipline.
Awareness of Black Friday remains high. Electronics and appliances are still the most sought-after items, followed by clothing and household essentials. Shoppers are becoming more cautious, focusing on value and necessity rather than impulse buys. Rising living costs, interest rates and inflation have pushed consumers to prioritise pantry staples and practical goods over luxury items.
Consumers are encouraged to stick to budgets and avoid taking short-term loans for non-essential shopping. The advice is to plan, verify deals and resist marketing tactics. Many households now use Black Friday to stock up on essentials instead of spending on discretionary items.
Common mistakes include poor planning, impulsive buying and overspending on goods that are not needed. Limited-time offers and bundle deals often lead to debt. Setting clear goals before shopping helps avoid inflated discounts and keeps attention on planned purchases. Budgeting remains critical. Decide how much you can spend, divide it into categories and keep priorities firm.
Spending during Black Friday can also signal consumer confidence. Banks use this period to promote responsible spending and tools that help clients manage their money. Nedbank Namibia Communications and PR Manager, Selma Kaulinge, said, “Black Friday should not derail long-term financial goals. At Nedbank, we encourage clients to approach it with the same discipline they would apply to any financial decision: plan, budget, and use the right tools. Our role is to make financial fitness accessible so that even during high-spend seasons, clients remain in control of their money.”
Nedbank’s #GetMoneyFit campaign links financial wellness to physical fitness, stressing that consistency and planning drive long-term success. The message is relevant during Black Friday, when overspending becomes tempting. Without a budget and priority list, shoppers can fall for offers that look appealing but offer little real value. Credit and store accounts can become debt traps if repayments are not managed. Experts suggest using cash or debit cards for discretionary items and keeping credit for essentials.
Online shopping brings added risks. Consumers should check the legitimacy of websites and apps, enable two-factor authentication and use secure payment options. Scams increase during this period, making vigilance important.
Black Friday is now about more than hunting for bargains. It is about making informed decisions that support financial goals. Kaulinge said, “Our #GetMoneyFit campaign reinforces that financial fitness is about consistency and informed choices, even during this high-spend season. Ultimately, Black Friday should go deeper than just chasing the deal. It should be about making informed decisions that align with your financial future.”
