“The increase in total employment in 2025 Q3, the low consumer price inflation, and the latest cut in the repo rate are expected to lead to a modest growth in consumer spending during this Black Friday compared to last year. The problem is that high food inflation and an elevated increase in housing and utility rates impact the budgets of low- and middle-income earners, which seriously constrain their spending ability, leading to a cautious approach towards spending,” says Ndou.
James Lappeman, Head of Projects at the University of Cape Town’s Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing, tells FORBES AFRICA that while consumers will always take advantage of Black Friday deals, less frivolous spending is expected this year.
