VALLETTA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Retailers are bracing themselves for a mediocre Black Friday this year, with inflation and families' reduced spending power likely to affect sales in Malta.
Although the latest statistics for October showed inflation went down to 4.2 percent from September's 4.9 percent in the country, families are still struggling.
Shop owner David Cardona said that sales have been "at an all-time low" over the last few months, mainly due to families making more informed choices over how to spend their reduced disposable income.
"I have a family too and I am well aware that costs have increased across the board. Food costs more, eating out costs more and I'm spending more on fuel because I'm constantly stuck in traffic. So I know what families are going through. It's been like this for months now, so I'm not expecting an extraordinary Black Friday," he told Xinhua.
In order to attract more customers, Cardona opted to start his Black Friday offers early this year, introducing them at the beginning of the month.
"I sell household items, which is something that can be postponed unless your kitchen blender suddenly stops working. I had a few items like kitchen mixers and blenders that were selling. The smoothie maker sold really fast and my stock ran out in the first week," he said.
Meanwhile, accountant Daniel Debattista said he knows how to budget for his family, and will not make any extra purchases this Black Friday. However, his wife plans on buying some early Christmas presents, he said.
"If you're using the sales to buy Christmas presents, it's worth it. But if you're buying for the sake of buying, then I think we have other things to spend money on," he told Xinhua.
Jonathan Buttigieg disagreed. "I was careful about how I spent my money this summer, so I have money put aside to spend at Black Friday sales," he said.
"I've been dreaming of upgrading our television since last year, so I think that's going to be my first purchase," he added.
Housewife Francesca Borg said that although she was enticed by some offers and discounts in certain shops, she might give Black Friday a miss this time.
"I'm a single mother and my expenses have skyrocketed. My rent has gone up and I'm spending much more on food because my son is growing up now. So I prefer being careful with the little I've got left. I barely make ends meet," she said.
Her friend Sarah also said she was struggling to cope with increasing expenses. "I might try to buy my kids' presents if there are good deals but I won't be going out of my way."
Jeweler Sandro Ellul said jewelry is an all-year-round item because it can be bought for many occasions. However, he has made a point of having Black Friday offers as well. This year, he is offering a third item at half price with the purchase of two items.
"We've had this offer in the past and it was very popular with customers. I hope it works this year too," he said.
Abigail Mamo, chief executive of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, said that Black Friday has become the most important period for shopping.
"Shopping in Malta has become very attractive and competitive. Considering that there is no delivery to pay and the product is obtained within a day or two, this is a big advantage," she said.
This year, the chamber launched a website where its members can advertise their offers for free, a design to boost sales.
"Black Friday is an occasion for celebration and should come with the utmost convenience and peace of mind. More than 170 businesses are participating in this initiative and they represent more than 25 different sectors," she said.
