PROJECT: BLACK FRIDAY

Isabel Spies
4 days ago
5 min read

PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

Black Friday in South Africa is an annual shopping event where major retailers offer significant discounts,

marking the unofficial start of the festive shopping season.

It has evolved from a single day to a longer “Black November” sales period,

with many shoppers using the event to buy essentials like groceries and toiletries, in addition to big-ticket items.

The event is heavily marketed by retailers to entice consumers to spend,

though the economic climate often dictates whether shoppers focus on necessities or luxury goods.

"Black November":

The event has expanded from a single day to a month-long sales period,

with many retailers starting their promotions in early November.

FOCUS ON ESSENTIALS:

Owing to economic pressures, many consumers use Black Friday to stock up on everyday necessities, like groceries, cleaning supplies and toiletries, rather than just expensive items.

DUAL FOCUS ON BIG AND SMALL ITEMS:

While many shoppers still target large or more expensive purchases like electronics, the sales now often include deals on smaller, everyday items as well.

RETAILER ADOPTION:

The concept was officially brought to South Africa by retailers like Checkers in 2014 and has since been adopted by most major retailers across the country.

MARKETING PUSH:

Retailers heavily market the event through advertising and promotions to attract consumers and boost sales during this competitive period.
Black Friday can be a fantastic day for deals, but large crowds, distracted shoppers, and potential for chaos may also attract opportunistic criminals.
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you have a safe and successful shopping experience.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME: PLAN AND PREPARE

RESEARCH DEALS ONLINE FIRST:
- Know exactly what you want and which stores have it.
- This minimises the time you spend wandering around looking lost or distracted.
SHOP ONLINE WHEN POSSIBLE:
- Many of the same deals are available online.
- Consider "Cyber Monday" or even Black Friday online sales to avoid the crowds entirely.
TRAVEL LIGHT:
- Only take the essentials.
- Leave unnecessary credit cards, large amounts of cash and valuable jewellery at home.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY:
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to protect your feet in crowds and for quick movement.
- Avoid wearing expensive clothing or accessories that may make you a target.
- Charge your phone as a fully charged phone is crucial for communication, checking maps and in case of an emergency.
- Tell someone of your plans and let a friend or family member know which stores you plan to visit and when you expect to be back.
PARK SMART:
- Park in a well-lit area as close to the store entrance as possible.
- Avoid parking next to large vans or trucks, which can obstruct the view of your car.
- Remember your parking spot to avoid wandering the lot later.
- Consider backing into your parking space for a quicker exit.

WHILE SHOPPING: STAY ALERT AND AWARE

The Golden Rule:

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS:

This is your number one defence.

Be aware of your surroundings and the people near you.

Avoid "head-down" scrolling on your phone while walking through parking lots or crowded stores.

KEEP YOUR BELONGINGS SECURE:

PURSES:
- Wear a cross-body bag and keep it in front of you, with the clasp or zipper facing inward.
- Never leave it in a shopping cart, or on the passenger car seat.
WALLETS:
- Keep your wallet in a front pocket, not your back pocket.
- Consider a money belt or a wallet with an anti-theft strap.
PHONES AND KEYS:
- Do not leave them in your back pocket or an open coat pocket.
- Use zippered pockets.

KEEP PURCHASES OUT OF SIGHT:

When loading your car, put purchases in the trunk and not on the back seat where it is visible.
If you must go to multiple stores, consider moving your car to a different, well-lit parking spot.
Use a buddy system and shop with a friend or family member.
There is safety in numbers.
You can watch each other's backs and belongings.

BE CAUTIOUS IN PARKING LOTS:

Have your keys ready in your hand before you reach the vehicle.
Check the back seat and around your car before getting in.
Be extra cautious when pulling out of a parking space, as pedestrians and other cars may be acting unpredictably.

GUARD YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Shield your PIN at all times when using a debit card.
Keep track of your cards and put them away immediately after a transaction.
Monitor your bank statements for unauthorised charges in the days following your purchases.

DEALING WITH CROWDS AND IN-STORE SAFETY:

AVOID CONFRONTATIONS:
- Tempers can flare over the last discounted TV.
- Do not engage in physical altercations over merchandise.
- It is not worth your safety.
BE AWARE OF "DOORBUSTER" CROWDS:
- These events draw huge crowds, creating a potential for pushing or stampedes.
- If a crowd feels unsafe, trust your instincts and leave.
WATCH FOR DISTRACTIONS:
- Thieves often work in teams.
- One might create a distraction (e.g., bumping into you or spilling something) while another picks your pocket.
- Stay vigilant.
HYDRATE AND TAKE BREAKS:
- Shopping under stress and in large crowds can be physically draining.
- Drink water and step outside for a moment if you feel overwhelmed.

AFTER SHOPPING: THE FINAL STEPS

BE ALERT WHEN RETURNING HOME:
- Thieves sometimes follow shoppers from stores.
- If you suspect you are being followed, do not drive home.
- Go to a well-populated area like a police station, gas station, or shopping centre and call the police.
SECURE YOUR PURCHASES AT HOME:
- Do not leave empty product boxes on your curb for trash day, as this advertises what new, expensive items you have in your home.
- Break them down and put them in recycling bins, or dispose of them gradually.

Awareness over everything: Pay more attention to your surroundings than your phone.
Secure your stuff: Cross-body bag, front-pocket wallet, trunk for purchases.
Park smart: Well-lit, close to the entrance.
Shop with a friend: There is safety in numbers.
Trust your gut: If a situation or a crowd feels wrong, leave.

By following these tips, you can focus on finding great deals while minimising risks.

Have a safe and successful Black Friday.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv