South Africa, Oct. 19 -- South Africa's relationship with Black Friday has evolved rapidly.

What began as a single-day phenomenon imported from the US now extends across the better part of November, with major retailers launching promotions weeks in advance and consumers planning their purchases accordingly.

In 2021, NielsenIQ's analysis found that the Black Friday week had surpassed the biggest festive season purchase week in December, with FMCG basket sales 23% higher than the average of all other month-end weeks that year, and the percentage of volume sold on promotion 55% higher.

Goods worth more than R4bn were sold on discount deals in that single promotional period.

By 2022, the event had grown further still, with Pick n Pay alo...