City Businesses Set to Cash in on Black Friday Weekend, AEDA Data Shows
City businesses are gearing up for bumper trade this Black Friday weekend, with new figures showing consumer spending climbing for the third straight year as eager shoppers stock up on bargains.
In a show of strength for local retailers, new Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) data projects that city-wide spending will reach approximately $68 million between Friday 28 November and Monday 1 December—up 12 per cent from 2024.
Rundle Mall, which saw record-breaking sales on Black Friday last year, is expected to once again surpass its 2024 numbers.
Projections show that approximately $30 million will be spent between Black Friday and Cyber Monday in Rundle Mall alone.
Cyber Monday, traditionally known for huge online deals, is this year tipped to bring a 24 per cent boost in Mall spending compared to 2024, indicating that shoppers are embracing a return to in-person retail.
Rundle Mall Opens 'Till Midnight to Maximise Sales
Retailers in Rundle Mall will stay open until midnight on Black Friday to capitalise on consumer appetite and encourage city spending.
The Mall is home to a huge range of exclusive flagships, luxury brands and iconic South Australian brands that will get in on the action, making the Mall a must-visit destination for shoppers.
With more exclusive offers, giveaways and services still to be announced in Rundle Mall, Black Friday weekend is set to be bigger than ever.
AEDA Rundle Mall Executive Manager Andrew White says: “Black Friday has grown into the biggest shopping weekend of the year, and there’s a lot of enthusiasm from retailers for making it an unforgettable experience for shoppers.
"There’s a strong appetite to shop longer and later in the city.
“Longer opening hours mean more time for customers to explore our retail destinations, more hours for stores to hit their targets and more shifts for retail workers.”
A Boost for City Dining
Black Friday is expected to have a halo effect on other city businesses, as patrons stop into Adelaide’s many innovative, award-winning restaurants and eateries while they shop.
Last year, the city’s hospitality businesses saw a 10 per cent increase in spending across Black Friday weekend, compared with the 2024 average.
Whether it is lunchtime ramen pit stops or late-night beverages to cap off a day well spent, food and shopping go hand-in-hand, and the dining sector is set to boom.
This year, Black Friday weekend will also coincide with the bp Adelaide Grand Final where legendary rock band AC/DC are set to perform, along with special guests Amyl and the Sniffers, giving an additional boost to business across the city.
City hotels will reach peak capacity on Friday 28 November with forward bookings currently sitting at 78 per cent, up from 35 per cent in 2024, adding to the foot traffic in the city and creating more opportunities for city businesses.
Black Friday Weekend marks the onset of the busy Christmas period and the perfect time to leverage consumer enthusiasm to build for the festive season.
Even more reasons to shop in Rundle Mall
Customers can head to the Rundle Mall Refuel Station at the Gawler Place intersection for their chance to win $40,000 in $100 Experience Adelaide gift cards*, redeemable citywide!
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit rundlemall.com/refuel for more information. Licence No: T25/1903.