Malls step up security, increase virus monitoring staff
WITH massive price cuts across retailers, malls are ramping up their security and Covid-19 monitors on the ground, while the National Consumer Commission is warning shoppers not to get manipulated into false promises of low prices through elaborate marketing.
“This year, suppliers or retailers created hype around Black Friday as early as the beginning of the month, enticing consumers with promised big discounts. While these promised savings look good, in most cases this is not the fact.
“We see consumers alleging that during the “Black November” promotions, suppliers are in fact increasing prices of certain goods and services,” Commission spokesperson Phetho Ntaba said.
“We also need to be aware that this is also an opportunity for suppliers to make big returns. Your rights as a consumer still apply during Black Friday.”
Shoprite Group said they started planning for Black Friday more than six months ago.
“Shoprite and Checkers continue to lead the way on Black Friday, offering discounts from Thursday 25 to Sunday November 28, with up to 50% off everyday essentials, groceries, toys and more.
“As a bonus, shoppers who use their money market account to pay at any Shoprite or Checkers supermarket during Black Friday will receive R10 back for every R100 spent to use on their next shop. Black Friday wine and liquor deals will also be available online at the new LiquorShop Online,” said the Group.
Pick n Pay group executive: marketing, Andrew Mills, said that Black Friday in the country had evolved over the past few years.
“When it first launched, many customers used it to snap up the latest TVs and gadgets. But shoppers are increasingly using the massive savings to stock up for the festive season or restock their pantry with everyday, non-perishable items.
“Pick n Pay has made it possible for more customers to shop online this year.
“Our asap! on-demand delivery app is offering same-day delivery from over 200 stores nationwide, and for bulk purchases customers can use its online shop. Pick n Pay today launched its Black Friday deals, which will run until November 28 in stores and online,” he said.
He said that shelves are stocked and they have increased the number of staff working in stores this weekend to unpack deals quickly.
Meanwhile, Canal Walk marketing manager Vanessa Herbst said the mall anticipated an increase in the holiday business, with top retail categories expected to be technology, toys, jewellery and gifting, and they were ramping up security measures.
“There is a tactical response vehicle and increased security presence on site,” she said.
“Canal Walk also fosters strong relationships with local policing services, from which it obtains all the latest information required to ensure the mall's safety.
“Canal Walk will have additional staff at entrances and extra Covid-19 compliance officers on the ground to monitor that customers are following all Covid-19 regulations,” Herbst said.