The United States' biggest and craziest shopping day is spreading across the world it seems, and it's hit the Middle East and North Africa as well.
Last year, Souq.com – the largest E-commerce platform in the Arab world – introduced the sale to its customers, calling it White Friday.
Of course, after seeing the profits it raked in, Souq.com decided to do it again, with 10,000 exclusive deals and hopes of attracting 45 million visitors during the four-day sale. At least half a million sales are expected to be made over the course of the four days.
Jumia – which is Nigerian but has large sites dedicated to Egypt, Morocco and Algeria – also launched the American-imported sale last year, maintaining the name Black Friday.
"Originally established in the U.S. more than 50 years ago, Black Friday is now a well-known sales day both in the U.S. and Europe. It is, however, new to the African market and Jumia put great focus on introducing this new sales opportunity to Egyptian consumers." Hesham Safwat, CEO Jumia Egypt, told ZAWYA .
So, what is Black Friday?
The shopping day traditionally began as the day after the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which takes place the fourth Thursday each November. As most Americans do not have to work this day, it provides a great opportunity to get some shopping done. Many use it as an opportunity to buy Christmas gifts for family and friends. Retailers recognized this and decided to promote higher sales by offering special discounts and low prices during this day.
As the shopping day has grown, the sales have gotten bigger and the day has gotten crazier. In fact, media outlets in America have begun reporting and tallying the death counts and injuries due to stampeding customers at large retailers or due to fights over popular items. Fortunately, as the trend remains online in the region – for the time being – this senseless consumer driven violence should be avoided.
