Will You Win the Black Friday Deals?

It’s a warm November morning in Windhoek, and the streets are alive with anticipation.

Some Namibians have saved diligently for the day, while others have sought assistance from financial institutions.

Black Friday, the global shopping phenomenon, is around the corner, promising deals worth the dash.

But as Namibians flock to stores, eyes fixed on ‘SALE’ signs, Letshego Holdings Namibia poses a crucial question: Will the shoppers win the deals, or will their wallets lose out?

Behind the thrill lies the threat of overspending, over-indebtedness, and post-shopping remorse.

Many Namibians know this feeling too well: wallets stretched thin, with the joy of shopping fading to disappointment and regret.

But what if we approached Black Friday differently, with strategies to make our purchases intentional and satisfying?
Take Olivia, a young Namibian shopper who tackled last year’s Black Friday with a plan and a strict budget.

Amid the frenzy of ‘50% OFF!’ signs, Olivia remained grounded, avoiding impulsive buys and sticking to her list.

When the dust settled, she had everything she needed without the sting of regret. Her secret? A set of smart strategies that any Namibian can use to conquer Black Friday like a pro.

Set a Clear Budget
The first key to smart Black Friday shopping is setting a spending limit.

Determine your maximum budget before stepping out and consider withdrawing this amount in cash, leaving your bank cards at home.

With only your allotted cash in hand, you are more likely to make careful, intentional choices rather than getting carried away.

Prioritise Your Purchases
On Black Friday, a shopping list becomes more than a guide; it’s your shield against impulse buys.

Before the big day, create a list of desired items, ranked in order of importance.

This helps you resist unplanned purchases. Research the regular prices of items beforehand to spot genuine discounts and avoid cleverly marketed “deals” that are not true savings.

For example, if you have had your eye on a TV that typically costs N$5 000, you will know if the Black Friday price of N$4 500 is actually worthwhile.

Avoid the Credit Trap
It is easy to swipe now and worry later, but credit card debt is the fastest way to turn a great deal into a lasting headache.

Stick to cash or debit to ensure you only spend what you truly have. If you prefer digital payments, consider pre-loading your budgeted amount into your e-wallet to keep spending in check.

Invest in Quality
With so many discounts, it’s easy to buy items just because the price is low. But thoughtful shoppers ask: “Will this add value to my life a year from now?

Prioritise quality items that will endure and enrich your life. Always check return policies too; even a big discount loses its appeal if you are left with a non-refundable item you cannot use.

Black Friday can be a celebration of smart choices rather than a source of financial strain.

The public should be reminded that true success lies in the value and quality of the intentional choices we make toward growth and wealth creation.

The future we desire tomorrow begins with the choices we make today.
Happy thoughtful shopping.

• João Bismarck is a customer experience manager at Letshego Bank Namibia.