As Black Friday continues to gain popularity in Morocco, the annual shopping event has faced growing skepticism from consumers who question the legitimacy of advertised discounts.
In recent years, major Moroccan retailers and distributors have followed global trends by promoting Black Friday deals, hoping to attract shoppers with promises of significant discounts. However, the event has failed to sustain the widespread enthusiasm it once garnered, despite efforts to market discounted products and the rise of online shopping in the country.
Consumer protection advocates argue that many of the discounts offered are deceptive, with companies using the event as an opportunity to offload unsold products. These concerns have led to a decline in consumer participation and enthusiasm.
Abdelkrim Chafii, president of the Souss-Massa Regional Federation for Consumer Rights, told Hespress that the event, which originated as a Western tradition, was introduced to Morocco several years ago and initially attracted eager shoppers. “Over time, however, interest has steadily declined,” Chafii said.
He noted that fraudulent practices and misleading promotions during Black Friday have contributed to the decline in consumer trust. “Many Moroccans are now more cautious and aware that not all advertised discounts are genuine,” he added.
Chafii also mentioned the challenges posed by the unregulated e-commerce sector in Morocco, where many businesses operate without physical locations, making it difficult for consumers to seek redress. “Consumers who once hoped to benefit from the discount season often find themselves victims of misleading promotions,” he said.
Nour Eddine Hamanou, a member of the National Consumer Protection Union, explained that Black Friday’s decline in popularity can be attributed to various factors. These include the fact that some of the products offered during this period, particularly in electronics, are outdated and no longer meet market trends. Additionally, the overall quality of many products sold during Black Friday is often subpar.
Hamanou pointed to the rise of online shopping, which offers a wider variety of products that can be purchased and delivered at a later time, as another reason for the decline in Black Friday’s appeal. He added that consumers are now more cautious about making purchase decisions, aware that not all discounts are as substantial as they appear.
Some companies, Hamanou noted, use Black Friday to clear out products that are not selling well, offering discounts to get rid of excess stock. “While there is legal freedom to set prices and advertise discounts, it is important that the extent of these discounts and the original prices are clearly communicated to consumers,” he emphasized.
The post Moroccans growing skeptical of Black Friday amid deceptive discounts appeared first on HESPRESS English – Morocco News.
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