Discovery Bank's Black Friday SpendTrend Dashboard reveals real-time consumer spending habits

As the shopping frenzy unfolds on Black Friday, Discovery Bank is offering a unique insight into consumer behaviour with its newly launched SpendTrend Dashboard.

The live data feed, powered by the actual spending patterns of Discovery Bank clients, promises an unprecedented look at how South Africans are spending during this high-stakes retail season.

The dashboard will update every three hours throughout the day, beginning at 5AM and concluding at 11PM.

It will provide crucial insights into consumer spending, including how much shoppers are disbursing on average, when they are making their purchases, the top merchants, and the key categories driving this year’s buying trends.

A glimpse into spending behaviours

Discovery Bank has analysed client spending behaviour for November 2025 up to today compared to the same timeframe in 2023 and 2024, revealing several significant trends that distinguish this year from past Black Fridays.

With transaction volumes trending ahead of both preceding years, average spending indicates a bullish consumer sentiment.

Findings show that the average transaction per client has surged by 5% compared to 2024 and by an impressive 13% compared to 2023, while the average spend per client is also up by 3%.

The rise of digital payments

One of the most notable revelations from the dashboard indicates a marked shift in payment preferences among consumers.

Digital wallets have now emerged as the default method for in-store transactions, with smart device payments accounting for nearly 60% of all in-store card purchases—almost double the share seen during Black Friday in 2023.

This reflects a decisive pivot towards frictionless, easy payment methods that leverage technology for added security and convenience.

Additionally, virtual cards have gained significant traction during this month, now comprising nearly 30% of all online purchases—an increase from around 20% the previous year. This shift illustrates a growing consumer preference for safer digital payment options, especially during peak shopping events like Black Friday.

Shifts in shopping preferences

While traditional in-store favourites remain entrenched in their top positions year-on-year, online shopping preferences indicate signs of change.

Although the leading online merchants are largely consistent with previous years, there are emerging patterns suggesting increased use of international platforms, indicating a trend towards a globalised shopping basket.

This shift showcases how as in-store spending remains stable with local brands, online consumers are exploring a wider array of choices, enhancing their shopping experiences across borders.

Why this analysis matters

Black Friday acts as a bellwether for broader economic health and consumer trends, making insights from the SpendTrend Dashboard invaluable for retailers, consumers, and analysts alike. By providing real-time updates and expert analyses,

Discovery Bank aims to offer a clear and comprehensive overview of spending patterns, giving stakeholders an essential resource for understanding the dynamics at play in the retail landscape.

Interested readers can access the SpendTrend Dashboard for the latest insights at www.discovery.co.za.

A thorough, consolidated report highlighting key analyses and trends will be made available on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 for those seeking deeper insights into this year’s Black Friday spending patterns.

BUSINESS REPORT