SUPPLY CHAIN

Global disruptions may hit supply chain ahead of Black Friday

By our News Team | 2021

Warning that businesses and retailers could struggle to meet Black Friday consumer demand and should plan accordingly.

As Africa heads towards Black Friday, global supply-chain disruptions caused by the pandemic could mean that there’s insufficient stock to meet consumer demand come 26 November.

This is according to Sam Clarke, CEO at Skynamo, an Africa-based provider of customer relationship management (CRM) technology, who says this year’s Black Friday could be one like no other, as businesses and retailers are faced with the challenge of meeting consumer demand while facing shortages.

“Around 90% of traded goods are transported via sea. But, with bottlenecks at ports due to the pandemic, the result could be that knockout deals this year are fewer and far between,” Clarke warns. “Similarly, retailers’ profit margins are already being squeezed, so there are likely to be fewer deals and smaller discounts on offer.”

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Cotton shortage may impact slothing sales

According to Clarke, supply-chain disruptions mean it may be harder for businesses to source the items they need in preparation for Black Friday. For example, cotton is in short supply worldwide, which affects the availability and price of certain clothing.

One way for retailers to mitigate this is to ensure that they are organised beforehand. So businesses should determine early what products they would like to discount and then speak to their suppliers as soon as possible.

If it’s unlikely that stock will arrive in time for Black Friday, retailers need to ensure that they have a back-up plan, advises Clarke.

Customer expectations must be managed

“Perhaps have other merchandise on hand that you can sell instead. Similarly, if items that customers order online are going to take a while to be delivered, make sure that this is communicated immediately to manage their expectations or give them time to find an alternative.”

One way for retailers to circumvent supply issues is to offer a longer lead time for delivery, he says.

“The other thing retailers can do is to give customers the option to pick up their merchandise from a drop-off point rather than deliver door-to-door.”

Woman at a podium giving a talk avani sign backdrop with african marketing confederation logos large blue conference slide screen behind her

World Marketing Council takes its first steps on the global stage

First Vice President outlines vision to champion professional excellence, ethical practice and innovation in marketing worldwide.

Group of people at a celebration raising a trophy together on a stage ceremony

AMC confirms Ethiopia will be the host of the 2027 conference

Zambian organisers of the 2026 gathering officially hand over the baton to an ecstatic Ethiopian delegation. Rwanda to host in 2028.

Conference hall stage with a man in a blue suit speaking at a podium on a large screen ticon africa banner visible'shaping the future of ict in africa'

Landmark gathering gets underway with delegates from over 30 countries

Opening plenary hears that securing Africa’s economic future requires businesses to discover new customers and cross-border opportunities.

Pre-conference masterclass discusses taking African brands to the world

Participants challenged to identify, articulate and commercialise the cultural assets that make their brand ready for a global audience.

Three people stand side by side in front of a sports direct backdrop the woman in the middle holds a blue and orange 'sports direct' sign

Africa’s first Sports Direct retail store opens its doors in Nairobi

Second outlet planned for Nairobi before year end, with Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco said to be future target markets.

Person wearing a beige sweater holds a phone with a translucent search bar reading 'search' and microphonecamera icons in the foreground

Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility

Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?

Person shopping at a deli counter holding an orange shopping basket in a cheese section of a supermarket

The move toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI

Researchers propose a framework for packaging that senses, learns and acts – making packaging an active, AI-powered tool against food waste.

Conference stage with a woman in a patterned dress speaking to an audience large screens display '' logos and banners for a marketers conference with 'institute of marketing in malawi' branding on stage panels and backdrop

Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession

Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.

Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan

Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.

We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?

Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.

Hotel receptionist assisting a guest at the check in counter with a gray suitcase nearby behind the desk

Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers

Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.