Black Friday: Maltese businesses encouraged to exploit online potential

Maltese businesses should make further use of digital platforms during this month's Black Friday period, Economy and Industry Minister Silvio Schembri said.

Mr Schembri was speaking at an event organised by the Malta Chamber Of SMEs to launch their Black Friday initiative, in which the discounts and deals of more than 200 of the Chambers's members have been gathered together into a single document, available on its Facebook page for consumers' ease of reference.

The Minister noted that, while COVID-19 meant last year's edition of Black Friday was challenging, it also led to several businesses increasing their online presence.

"I therefore call on businesses to make further use of digital platforms for this year and to better understand the opportunities that this field offers - from effective advertising to efficient and comfortable customer service. In this way we will be active participants in supporting the economy of our country," Mr Schembri said.

The Minister also encouraged businesses to start promoting their offers from now, since they had to compete not just with local businesses but large international retailers too.

Paul Abela, Malta Chamber of SMEs President, said that Black Friday has become one of the most important days for business. It has brought to life the month of November for businesses and consumers alike.

"The Chamber of SMEs encourages local consumers to make the most out of the black Friday offers and shop local. By shopping local, consumers spend less on delivery expenses and timeframes and find it very easy to exchange products," he said.

Speaking about the Chamber's initiative, CEO Abigail Agius Mamo said:

"Keeping tabs on all that is going on is not easy and requires planning to make the most of it. In this way consumers know which businesses are carrying the Black Friday offers, what are the offers and how they can get access to them."