Madison's: Poor Black Friday leads to a good December

Bloemfontein, Free State – Gavin Frances, director of 7-store men's outfitter Valortrade 150 (Pty) Ltd, t/a Madison's and B&B Trading, said it has been "a much better Christmas" than last year.
      "Black Friday this year was poor, and I think it was the same for most retailers. We did about 60% of last year's Black Friday turnover. I think consumers just didn't want to go into crowded shops.
      "December, however, has been consistent from day 1."
      He said Madison's had bought very carefully, but in depth.
      "We were more focused, and we didn't take chances. What we bought, sold, and we had the stock so we didn't have to turn customers away."
      He said the business had sufficient stock for January. "We won't be able to rely on back-to-school sales for most of the month, because the schools are going back late, but our expectation is that overall January sales will be 10% to 15% better than January 2020.
      "Of course, things can change. Holidaymakers returning home may bring a surge in infections. But I believe the potential is there for a good month."