Dominican stores and malls crowded for “Black Friday”

Santo Domingo.- Thousands of people crowded stores and malls to take advantage of discounts of up to 70% for “Black Friday. For more than 10 years, Dominican merchants have welcomed this activity, celebrated in the United States with extraordinary offers the day after Thanksgiving, achieving a tremendous rebound in their sales.

Merchants offer discounts of up to 70%, grant payment facilities or two for the price of one, and extend the warranty of the products to attract more buyers. Supermarkets, telecommunications companies, pharmacies, delivery companies, tourism, travel agencies, and even professional services companies have also been added.

In recent years, the trend has been to start the offers on Monday or extend them until the weekend. Some establishments even open their offers on November 1.

HOY conducted a tour and observed significant movement of people in appliances, clothing and footwear stores, technology, and accessories. This influx of people caused the streets to be blocked from 12 noon to 8:00 PM.

According to figures from the Central Bank, during the extended Black Friday weekend in 2023, consumption was RD$11,727.7 million, an increase of RD$2,238.8 million, or 23.6%, compared to the same period in 2022.

These transactions were in commercial establishments in the country, both in person and through e-commerce, with credit, debit, and prepaid cards on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

This is the consumption trend because, in 2022, the figures were RD$8,404.2 million; in 2021, a total of RD$8,404.2 million; and in 2020, it was RD$7,796.7 million.

According to the National Organization of Commercial Companies (ONEC), purchases made during Black Friday exceed those made on Father’s and Mother’s Day.

For these days of offers, commercial banks and savings and loan associations have joined in granting an additional 15% or 20% discount if you use your card or give more points on purchases in selected establishments. Among these are Banco Popular, Banreservas, Asociación de Ahorros y Préstamo Popular, Banco Santa Cruz, Banco BHD, and others.

Fast food establishments have also been added to this trend of discounts, as Etienne Sánchez, president of the Association of Casual Food and Quick Service Establishments (Adecor), explained to HOY that the 42 brands that make up the association of national and international companies are offering special discounts for today. Among these are Pala Pizza, Fridays, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, etc.