Makro and Game have officially announced the release of their early Black Friday promotions, unveiling a range of enticing deals that will become available on 24 October 2025. These sales events are set to continue for the entirety of November, allowing South African consumers an extended opportunity to take advantage of the discounted prices.
Key Takeaways
- Early Deals Drive Excitement: Makro and Game are kicking off their Black Friday promotions on 24 October 2025, extending the savings across the entire month of November to attract eager shoppers and spread out demand.
- Consumers Are More Strategic: South Africans are researching and planning purchases weeks in advance, with 94 percent starting early and 73 percent preferring retailers that reveal their deals ahead of time.
- Big Savings on Popular Items: Discounts of up to 50 percent are available on high-demand products such as TVs, laptops, air fryers, washing machines, and premium liquor, alongside perks like free delivery on orders over R500.
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The Origins and Evolution of Black Friday
The concept of Black Friday originated in the United States during the 1960s when retailers noticed a significant increase in the number of shoppers heading to stores on the Friday following the Thanksgiving holiday. The term “Black Friday” was initially used by the police in a negative sense, referring to the heavy traffic congestion and crowds of people that would flood shopping districts on that day.
Over time, retailers sought to redefine the meaning of the term. They adopted it to signify a positive financial shift, indicating the day their businesses moved from operating at a loss (in the red) to making a profit (in the black). This rebranding helped transform the day into one of the most important shopping events of the year. Interestingly, accounting ledgers traditionally recorded losses in red ink and profits in black, which explains the symbolic shift in meaning.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Black Friday had gained immense popularity in the United States. Retailers began to compete fiercely, each attempting to outdo the other with more substantial and appealing discounts to attract throngs of eager shoppers. Some reports suggest that certain stores would open as early as 5 a.m. to accommodate the massive queues, while others handed out free coffee or doorbuster vouchers to early risers.
The Birth of Cyber Monday
In 2005, a new shopping event known as Cyber Monday was introduced to capitalise on the growing trend of online shopping. It was designed to encourage consumers to continue spending on the Monday following Thanksgiving, specifically through online retail platforms. This digital shopping event quickly became an international phenomenon, complementing Black Friday and extending the shopping frenzy into the following week. Cyber Monday was actually coined by Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation, who noticed that online sales spiked when people returned to work after the Thanksgiving weekend, possibly shopping from their office computers.
Black Friday Arrives in South Africa
Black Friday and Cyber Monday made their way to South Africa more than ten years ago. The events were initially driven by online retailers who promoted them as exclusive opportunities for consumers to access special discounts and limited-time offers. As the popularity of these shopping days grew, physical retail stores also joined the movement. Prominent names such as Checkers, Pick n Pay, Makro, and Game began introducing their own Black Friday specials to attract both in-store and online customers. South Africa’s first major Black Friday boom happened around 2014, when massive discounts caused online traffic surges that briefly crashed several major retail websites, marking the start of a shopping tradition.
Retailers Extend the Shopping Season
In more recent years, South African retailers have increasingly expanded their approach to Black Friday. Many now release deals not just for a single day or week, but over the course of the entire month of November. This shift aims to maintain consumer excitement, boost sales figures, and spread out shopping traffic to avoid overcrowding. The trend reflects the local retail sector’s efforts to sustain consumer interest throughout the pre-festive period. Experts believe this “Black November” trend benefits both retailers and buyers, as stores can manage stock levels efficiently while consumers can make more thoughtful purchases instead of impulsive ones.
2025 Black Friday Timing and Consumer Behaviour
For 2025, Black Friday officially falls on 28 November. However, major retailers across the country have already begun preparing their marketing campaigns and promotional offers well in advance. Makro and Game, two of South Africa’s most recognised retail chains, have confirmed that their Black Friday campaigns will launch early on 24 October and will continue throughout November to meet the growing demand for early deals.
Increased online activity on both the Makro and Game websites has already revealed the most searched-for items among consumers. Popular categories include air fryers, refrigerators, washing machines, and premium liquor products. This suggests that South African shoppers are placing particular focus on high-value, long-lasting household goods and luxury items as they plan their purchases. Data analytics from past years show that searches for “air fryer” typically increase by over 200 percent during Black Friday month, showing how strongly South Africans have embraced this modern kitchen essential.
Strategic Shoppers and Early Research
According to Massmart’s marketing executive, South African consumers are becoming increasingly strategic when it comes to major purchases. Many buyers tend to delay buying expensive products in anticipation of discounted prices during the Black Friday period. It has become common practice for shoppers to research items weeks in advance to ensure they make informed purchasing decisions once sales begin. Retail experts recommend creating a price comparison list at least two weeks before the sale starts to identify genuine discounts, since some retailers inflate prices before slashing them.
A survey conducted by MyBroadband supported this trend, revealing that a significant 94 percent of respondents plan to begin searching for Black Friday offers well before the event officially starts. Furthermore, 73 percent of those surveyed expressed a clear preference for retailers that release their Black Friday promotions ahead of time, allowing them to compare prices and prepare their budgets. Another tip for shoppers is to sign up for store newsletters or loyalty programmes, as many retailers quietly offer additional discounts or early access to subscribers.
Makro and Game’s 2025 Black Friday Highlights
In line with this consumer behaviour, Makro and Game have responded proactively by unveiling their early Black Friday line-ups. Both retailers are offering discounts of up to 50 percent on popular product categories such as air fryers, refrigerators, washing machines, and premium alcoholic beverages.
Among the standout offers is a Samsung 58-inch television priced at R5,999, representing substantial savings for those seeking a home entertainment upgrade. Technology enthusiasts can also find a Lenovo Intel Core i5 laptop for R7,999, appealing to both home users and professionals looking for an affordable, high-performance device.
It is believed that large electronics like TVs and laptops tend to receive the steepest discounts during Black Friday, as retailers aim to clear old models before the next year’s inventory arrives.
In addition, South African shoppers can enjoy reduced prices on major household appliances, including a Hisense 7kg front loader washing machine. Premium liquor enthusiasts will also find noteworthy discounts, such as on the Martell VS Single Distillery Cognac, adding a touch of luxury to the shopping event. Liquor deals are often some of the fastest-selling items during Black Friday, with some stores running out of premium stock within hours, so early birds definitely stand the best chance.
Convenient Shopping Options and Added Value
To make shopping even more convenient, both Makro and Game are offering free delivery on all online purchases exceeding R500. Customers also have the flexibility to select the “Pickup” option, allowing them to place orders online and collect their items from a nearby store the following day. This system provides consumers with the best of both worlds, online convenience paired with the immediacy of local collection. Shopping online also helps customers avoid the long queues and crowded aisles typical of in-store sales, while many banks offer cashback or reward points for online purchases made during the Black Friday period.
With their extensive range of early deals, convenient delivery options, and strong focus on customer satisfaction, Makro and Game are positioning themselves at the forefront of South Africa’s 2025 Black Friday shopping season. Their proactive approach reflects the changing retail landscape, where consumers value both early access and seamless shopping experiences.
| Product | Description / Model | Old Price | New Price | You Save | Notes / Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennett Read Air Fryer | 11.5L Digital Air Fryer | R1,499 | R1,199 | R300 | Large-capacity air fryer, stainless finish |
| LOGIK Air Conditioner (12,000 BTU) | Air Conditioner Unit | R6,499 | R4,999 | R1,500 | Wall-mounted split unit |
| LOGIK Air Conditioner (18,000 BTU) | Air Conditioner Unit | R8,999 | R6,999 | R2,000 | Larger split unit option |
| Hisense Fridge | 347L Bottom Freezer (Model H415BIT-WD) | R8,999 | R5,999 | R3,000 | Includes 1-year warranty |
| Hisense Washing Machine | 14 kg Top Loader (Model WTJA1402T) | R5,999 | R4,999 | R1,000 | 1-year warranty |
| Raleigh Bicycles | 16” or 20” Quest BMX | R999 | R899 | R100 | Assorted sizes available |
| Game Instant Gazebo | Instant 205 Plus Gazebo | R1,299 | R999 | R300 | Portable outdoor canopy |
| IS 15-Piece Cookware Set | Stainless Steel | R499 | R399 | R100 | Durable 15-piece kitchen set |
| Acer Aspire 3 Laptop Bundle | Intel Core i5 + 15.6” Display + Bag & Mouse | R10,798 | R7,999 | R2,799 | Deal valid only on 24 October |
| Product | Description / Model | Old Price | New Price | You Save | Notes / Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 70″ UHD Smart TV | AU7000 (Model UA70AU7000KXXA) + B-Series 11 Channel Soundbar (HW-B650/XP/ZA) | R15,298 | R9,999 | R5,299 | 4K UHD Smart TV combo offer; available on credit (R491/month x 36) |
| Samsung 50″ UHD Smart TV | AU7000 (Model UA50AU7000KXXA) | R7,999 | R5,999 | R2,000 | 4K UHD Smart TV |
| Samsung 43″ UHD Smart TV | AU7000 (Model UA43AU7000KXXA) | R6,999 | R4,999 | R2,000 | Crystal UHD display |
| Samsung 11 Channel Soundbar | B650 (Model HW-B650/XP/ZA) | R3,999 | R2,799 | R1,200 | Wireless soundbar system |
| Samsung 8-Series 5.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer | Model B750 | R4,999 | R3,999 | R1,000 | Premium 5.1 surround sound |
| Samsung 98″ UHD Smart TV | AU9000 (Model UA98AU9000KXXA) | R69,999 | R34,999 | R35,000 | Massive 249 cm screen size, Smart TV |
| Samsung 43″ FHD LED Smart TV | Model UA43T5400AKXXA | R5,499 | R3,999 | R1,500 | Full HD LED display |
| Samsung 32″ HD LED Smart TV | Model UA32T5300KXXA | R3,499 | R2,999 | R500 | Entry-level Smart TV |
| Samsung 55″ OLED Smart TV | S90D (Model QA55S90DAKXXA) | R11,999 | R7,999 | R4,000 | OLED panel, 139 cm screen, available on credit (R407/month x 36) |
| Samsung 77″ OLED Smart TV | S95D (Model QA77S95DAKXXA) | R29,999 | R19,999 | R10,000 | Premium OLED 4K Smart TV |
| Samsung 65″ UHD Smart TV | AU9000 (Model UA65AU9000KXXA) | R11,999 | R8,999 | R3,000 | Crystal UHD display |
| Samsung 65″ OLED Smart TV | S95D (Model QA65S95DAKXXA) | R14,999 | R9,999 | R5,000 | 4K OLED Smart TV, 165 cm display |
| Samsung 50″ OLED Smart TV | S90D (Model QA50S90DAKXXA) | R19,999 | R13,999 | R6,000 | High-end OLED with vivid colour performance |
| Product | Description / Model | Old Price | New Price | You Save | Notes / Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Owned iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone 13 (pre-owned, 128GB) | R8,849 | R7,999 | R850 | Limited stock; A15 Bionic chip, 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display, 12MP dual-camera system |
| Apple iPhone 13 | Brand-new iPhone 13 | R10,999 | R9,999 | R1,000 | 5G ready, cinematic mode, water and dust resistant |
| Apple iPhone 14 | iPhone 14 (128GB) | R13,999 | R11,799 | R2,200 | A15 Bionic chip, advanced dual-camera system, crash detection safety feature |
| Apple iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 (128GB) | R15,999 | R14,799 | R1,200 | A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island, USB-C charging, 48MP main camera |
| Apple MacBook Air (M1) | 13″ MacBook Air (M1 chip, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM) | R15,999 | R11,999 | R4,000 | M1 chip for performance and efficiency, up to 18 hours battery life, Retina display, fanless design, ultra-thin build |
| Apple MacBook Air (M2) | 13″ MacBook Air (M2 chip, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM) | R17,999 | R14,999 | R3,000 | M2 chip with next-gen performance, brighter Retina display, MagSafe charging, up to 18 hours battery life |
| Apple AirPods (4th Gen) | AirPods 4 (Model MQ2S3ZE/A) | R2,999 | R2,499 | R500 | Enhanced bass, spatial audio, sweat & water resistant, long battery life with MagSafe charging case |
Conclusion
From massive discounts on Apple, Samsung, and home essentials, Game’s upcoming Black Friday deals promise some of the best tech and appliance savings of the year. Whether you’re eyeing a sleek MacBook Air, upgrading to the latest iPhone 15, or turning your living room into a home theater with a Samsung Smart TV, there’s something for every shopper and every budget.
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