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Checking in, to Checkout: Five Black Friday Tips

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3 years ago

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Black Friday

Tapping into all available data from previous Black Friday sales to see what worked and what didn’t, is key

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 10, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Black Friday is quite possibly the most drama-filled time of the year, in-store that is. There was the woman who used her pants as a shopping trolley, and the individual who called the police over a sold-out TV #sorrywhat? It’s a bit like a weird movie in an intoxicating chaotic, repeat visit kind of way.

Mike Smollan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, Smollan checks out the Black Friday phenomenon and how to play the game.

Globally, according to www.Queue-It.com, Black Friday online sales grew 3.5% to $65.3 billion last year. Retail sales increased by 12% and was recorded as the biggest shopping day of the year in the US, with online retail traffic three times that of a normal October day. That said, 60% of consumers said they bought a sale item, only to regret it later, with 23% of women saying that they suspect retailers inflated prices ahead of Black Friday, only to “discount them” on the day.

Furthermore, marketing tactics not only drew traffic in 2022, but also revenue with 29% of online sales attributable to a paid search; 19% to direct web visits; 17% to organic searches; 15% to email and 3% to social media.

Closer to home, looking back to look ahead, from a banking perspective FNB reported that its customers spent a record R3 billion on Black Friday last year, with most shoppers popping into physical stores to grab deals. R2.4 billion was spent in-store an increase of 18% on the previous year, while over R670 million was spent online, a rise of 31%. This year amidst rising interest rates and inflationary demands South African consumers will no doubt be cautious as Black Friday goes live. That said, the adrenalin rush and instant gratification that it brings is all too real with the promise of a moment to “let loose”.

Determining the best fit for the promotional period to leverage both in-store and online strategies, will depend on the specific business and target audience, to ultimately hit the sweet spot with consumers. Both in-store and online options have their advantages. In-store offers the excitement of sensory appeal for shoppers, an opportunity to engage with customers, drawing them in with eye-catching displays and product demos and maxing on impulse buying. While online offers the potential for new customer acquisitions, reaching a wider audience, as well as being able to tap into detailed analytics to track shopping behaviours and identifying trends going forward. A hybrid approach makes sense for example, offering online deals that complement in-store promotions, and using online channels to drive foot traffic to physical stores.

Undoubtedly the customer connection is everything whether online or in-store as consumers demand an excellent shopping experience over Black Friday

“Undoubtedly the customer connection is everything whether online or in-store as consumers demand an excellent shopping experience over Black Friday. They want options, the latest ranges, offers on offers, quick check-outs, quality, delivery in the quickest time possible if ordering online, and a store experience where availability, and lots of it, does not switch their mood. What we’ve found from an in-store perspective during these times of high demand, is the immense value of sending in our surge merchandising teams. Where they focus solely on brand visibility, additional POS and making sure product is in stock, on shelf, all the time. That’s the whole idea right, speed, efficiency, and targeted sales,” said Mike Smollan, Chief Growth Officer at Smollan.

Top Tips by Marketing Specialist, Incubeta

Data

Tapping into all available data from previous Black Friday sales to see what worked and what didn’t, is key. This data will also stand companies in good stead for their festive strategies.

Checkout Choice

Having a buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment option will allow cash-strapped consumers who are hoping to make big-ticket purchases the opportunity to pay them off. In fact, it makes sense to have as many payment options as possible. Also, options like an in-store pickup could score points with customers.

Red Flags

Logistics will continue to be a challenge and brands must factor in delays. The key is to keep customers informed and manage their expectations. If you can’t deliver, keep them in the loop or if a product sells out, make sure you update this on your website as soon as possible.

Don’t Underestimate Customers

South Africans love a good deal. They have also become masters at gamifying loyalty programmes allowing them to get the most out of Black Friday shopping. Don’t pull the wool over shoppers’ eyes, chances are one will get caught out.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Smollan.

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Novum Studio Secures New Funding to Launch Ahoy Project, an AI-Native Enterprise Transformation Platform, Building on Its 20-Million-User Gen Z App Frog

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1 day ago

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July 24, 2026

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Novum Studio
  • Novum Studio has raised a new round of funding to launch Ahoy Project, its enterprise AI solution, with internal testing scheduled for July 2026.
  • Ahoy Project is positioned as the infrastructure for AI-native enterprise transformation – an AI-native communication platform serving as the underlying system, delivered as an end-to-end tailored solution.
  • The launch expands the company beyond Frog, its Gen Z consumer social app that has reached 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe.
  • Novum Studio said it is applying lessons from operating high-frequency social platforms at scale to workplace communication and knowledge systems.

NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – Novum Studio, the company behind Frog – a Gen Z social app often described as a “new-generation Snapchat” – said it has raised a new round of funding and will use the proceeds to launch Ahoy Project, an AI-native enterprise communication and collaboration platform, with internal testing scheduled for July 2026.

The Novum Studio team at London Tech Week 2025.

Unlike conventional workplace software, Ahoy Project will not be sold as a standalone software subscription, the company said. Novum Studio provides the infrastructure and a full tailored solution for enterprises undergoing AI-native transformation, with the communication platform serving as the underlying system on which that transformation is built.

Founded as a consumer social company, Novum Studio has reached more than 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe. Frog gained traction among younger users through spontaneous, real-time sharing designed around authenticity and low-pressure interaction. The company said its experience building large-scale social “spaces” – where millions of people communicate, form groups and coordinate in real time — directly informs its approach to enterprise collaboration.

The new funding will support the launch and international expansion of the enterprise business as artificial intelligence reshapes how organizations communicate, collaborate and operate, the company said.

Novum Studio was founded by Anna Danyi, who graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 2018 and began her career in consulting and technology. Before founding Novum Studio, she built multiple consumer applications and exited through an acquisition. In 2025, Forbes China recognized her among the Top 100 most influential global Chinese figures in AI digital products area.

“We spent years understanding how millions of users communicate online,” Anna Danyi said. “In the AI era, communication itself is becoming intelligent. We believe the next generation of platforms will not only connect people — they will understand workflows, collaboration and organizational behavior.”

From Consumer Social to Enterprise AI

Modern organizations face growing challenges as critical knowledge, decisions and workflows become fragmented across chats, meetings and disconnected tools, the company said. Ahoy Project addresses this as a conversation-driven, AI-native collaboration layer: it captures context from day-to-day communication to build a searchable enterprise knowledge base and support workflow coordination.

Core capabilities include conversation-based knowledge organization, AI-assisted collaboration and workflow support integrated directly into team communication. Because the platform sits at the layer where work is discussed and decided, it can serve as the foundation for a broader AI-native operating model – with Novum Studio designing and delivering the surrounding transformation solution for each enterprise client.

Ahoy (Popeye AI) turns everyday team conversations into a searchable enterprise knowledge base.

A New Direction for Social Technology

Novum Studio said its expansion reflects a broader shift across the technology industry. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram defined how content was distributed and consumed in the mobile social era; as AI becomes embedded in digital products, the company believes the next stage will center less on feeds and more on intelligent systems that understand communication and coordination.

“We are no longer just building products where people post content,” Anna Danyi said. “We are building systems that understand how humans communicate and operate together.”
 

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Energy

Venezuela Energy Week to Host Houston Industry Showcase, Unlocking United States (U.S.) Commercial Engagement Ahead of October Summit

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2 days ago

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July 24, 2026

By

African Energy Chamber

Ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2026, U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors are invited to explore commercial opportunities across Venezuela’s upstream sector at the Houston Industry Showcase next month

HOUSTON, United States of America, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Venezuela Energy Week will host an Industry Showcase in Houston on August 18, 2026: a targeted industry roadshow designed to engage U.S. energy stakeholders ahead of the October summit. Held at The Post Oak Hotel, the showcase will convene senior representatives from across the U.S. upstream ecosystem – including exploration and production companies, Texas-based independents, oilfield service companies, engineering and technology firms, commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices – to assess commercial pathways for participation in Venezuela’s energy sector.

 

As Venezuela looks to expand production, U.S. companies remain well positioned to contribute technical expertise, capital and operational capabilities across the upstream value chain. Chevron’s longstanding presence in the country highlights the continued importance of U.S. industry participation, while the scale of Venezuela’s resource base continues to attract interest from major international energy companies, including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. Opportunities extend across exploration, field development, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and digital modernization as Venezuela seeks to strengthen its energy sector.

 

Demand is also expected to grow for oilfield service companies, engineering firms, technology providers and financial institutions that can support upstream investment and project execution. Companies including SLB, Halliburton and Baker Hughes have been identified as potential partners in advancing production optimization and infrastructure rehabilitation, while commercial banks, private equity firms and family offices will play an important role in financing future investment opportunities.

 

Against this backdrop, the Houston Industry Showcase will provide a structured engagement platform at a time when select international operators continue to operate under U.S. Treasury-authorized frameworks, and where policy considerations in the U.S. continue to shape engagement parameters in Venezuela’s energy sector.

 

The event will enable U.S. exploration companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers and investors to assess technical and commercial pathways across exploration, field services, project delivery and broader supply chain opportunities, while supporting early-stage dialogue between international investors and Venezuela-focused stakeholders in a structured commercial environment ahead of the October summit.

 

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 18, visit www.venezuelaenergyweek.com/rsvp-houston. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

 

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

 

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

 

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4fM0rLr).

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Business

Africa Trade Gateway Delivers US$5.3-Million Cross-Border Transaction in First Energy Sector Trade in Southern Africa

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2 days ago

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July 24, 2026

By

Afreximbank

The transaction represents an important milestone for both the participating institu-tions and the ATG ecosystem as it marked Innbucks Microbank’s first completed transaction through the platform and the ATG’s first recorded energy-sector transac-tion in Southern Africa

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 23, 2026/APO Group/ –A US$5.3-million cross-border fuel (gasoil) trade transaction has been successfully completed with support of the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank’s) (www.Afreximbank.com) flagship digital trade ecosystem, demonstrating the value and efficacy of the Gateway in powering African trade.

The transaction, which saw Zimbabwean fuel importer Witeva Trading source a gasoil shipment from a leading commodity trader and supplier in Switzerland, with Innbucks Microbank Ltd. participating as the local issuing financial institution and Afreximbank providing confirmation support under agreed trade finance structure, demonstrates how African businesses can leverage one connected ecosystem to identify opportunities, access finance and complete international trade more efficiently.

The ATG made it possible for the commercial opportunity to be connected to the right ecosystem participants, bringing together the buyer, supplier and participating financial institutions to support a successful execution of the transaction.

The transaction represents an important milestone for both the participating institutions and the ATG ecosystem as it marked Innbucks Microbank’s first completed transaction through the platform and the ATG’s first recorded energy-sector transaction in Southern Africa.

This transaction demonstrates the value of bringing African businesses and financial institutions together through one connected trade ecosystem

It also demonstrates how African Businesses can use a single digital ecosystem to identify commercial opportunities, connect with verified counterparties, access trade-finance support and execute cross-border transactions more efficiently.

Peter Olowononi, Director, Regional Operations, Southern Africa, at Afreximbank, said:

“This transaction demonstrates the value of bringing African businesses and financial institutions together through one connected trade ecosystem. By creating a digital ecosystem to expand access to trade finance, Afreximbank is enabling more businesses to participate easily in regional and international trade.”

Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Business, at Afreximbank, added:

“The Africa Trade Gateway is more than a mere digital platform; it is the ecosystem that helps trade happen. We help businesses discover opportunities, connect with trusted buyers, suppliers and financial institutions, and facilitate the journey from commercial opportunity to completed transactions. Every successful deal strengthens the network, attracts new participants and creates more opportunities for African trade.”

“As more businesses, banks and trade partners join the ecosystem, every successful transaction expands the marketplace, strengthens trust across the network and increases opportunities for future trade,” Mr. Onyia added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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