For the third consecutive year, residents in the Dominican Republic are participating in Black Friday deals that have begun on Thursday mainly in Santo Domingo. The Black Friday event has been going on for more than half a century in the United States. The celebration follows Thanksgiving and starts the Christmas shopping season.
“It is a day I take advantage of to change any appliance in the house, and I also buy some things to sell later on,” the 40 year old, Norma Surun, told Diario Libre reporters.
Stores at the main shopping centers of Santo Domingo are advertising discounts from 10% up to 80% on selected merchandise exclusively for that day. But many stores are turning it into a three day shopping event (27, 28, and 29 November 2014).
According to what was found in a survey carried out by Diario Libre reporters in shopping centers such as Sambil, Galeria 360, and Agora Mall, the majority of people have high expectations for Black Friday or “Viernes Negro” as it is known among Dominicans.
“In my first experience, last year, there were a lot of discounts. In my case I could buy dresses of very good quality at half price, this year I expect to see very good discounts,” said a young 30-year-old.
Of 20 women surveyed, 17 said that they wait until Black Friday in order to “change their closets,” taking advantage that day in order to buy clothes that they will wear during the Christmas festivities and the “presents for families and friends.”
The men surveyed were in agreement that they had the option of buying electronic and technology items, such as cell phones and tablets at better prices on Friday.
The youngsters showed a lot of enthusiasm and great expectations, contrary to the older people. “I prefer to stay in my house, I don’t wait in those long lines for anybody,” said Roberto Rodriguez, 48.
Another option for Dominicans at the moment of taking advantage of Black Friday is buying online. According to the consulting firm HM consulting, purchases corresponding to Black Friday in the Dominican Republic are estimated to be more than US$50 million in the days before, during and after Black Friday. The online stores that are most used by Dominicans are eBay and Amazon, according to Hiddekei Morrison of HM Consulting.
The articles most purchased during Black Friday in the Dominican Republic are clothes, shoes, electronics, cell phones and tablets, according to those consulted.