Experts predicted that 2020's Black Friday would be a dud and results from StatsSA on Thursday have proven it.
November's retail trade results usually reflect the momentous retail event, but sales have been negative for the most part of 2020 largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions. However, even after the hard lockdown lifted, retail is still struggling.
November year-on-year results declined by 4%. This follows the year-on-year decline of 1.8% for October. There was 1.9% decline in retail sales on a month-on-month basis in November.
Retail sales decreased by 3% in the three months ended November 2020 compared with the same period last year.
Contributions to November's annual decline were retailers in the 'other' category- which declined by 26.1% year-on-year. These retailers include those selling jewelry, watches and stationery. Retailers in textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods were the second biggest contributors to the decline, with a 5.6% decline year-on-year.
