Colombia’s annual Black Friday sales event is poised to generate billions in revenue as retailers prepare for a major surge in both online and in-store traffic. Expected to kick off the holiday shopping season, the event saw 77 million electronic invoices issued last year, totaling $11.6 billion USD. however, alongside the potential for savings, consumers face increasing risks from online fraud, and a new report reveals that widespread technological infrastructure issues could hamper businesses’ ability to meet demand during the critical shopping period.
Colombia’s commerce sector is bracing for a surge in activity as Black Friday returns, with retailers offering thousands of promotions both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. The annual sales event is widely considered the kickoff to the country’s holiday shopping season.
However, the increased volume of transactions also brings heightened risks, as online fraudsters attempt to capitalize on consumers through scams, impersonation tactics, and misleading offers. This underscores the need for vigilance during the busy shopping period.
Last year’s Black Friday weekend – spanning November 29th to December 1st – saw over 77 million electronic invoices issued, totaling approximately 46.2 trillion Colombian pesos (roughly $11.6 billion USD), according to the Dian, Colombia’s tax and customs authority.
Of that total, 2.4 trillion Colombian pesos (approximately $6 billion USD) was directly attributable to Black Friday purchases. This figure confirms the event’s significant impact on consumer spending in the country.
Despite the enthusiasm for discounts, experts observe that Colombian shoppers are approaching sales with more caution. The trend suggests a growing awareness among consumers to seek genuine value.
In the fashion sector, interest is shifting towards sustainable and affordable options, driven by digital resale platforms that promote responsible consumption and offer aggressive discounts. “Colombians are increasingly shopping consciously and looking for real discounts,” explains Ana Jiménez, Country Manager of GoTrendier. “We’re seeing growing interest in secondhand fashion online, not just for the savings but also for its environmental impact.”
You can read more about upcoming Black Friday deals here.
Tips for Avoiding Scams During Black Friday
Black Friday deals present both opportunities and potential pitfalls for consumers. To avoid issues, GoTrendier recommends the following precautions:
1. Shop on Official and Verified Websites: Ensure websites have “https” in the address and display a padlock icon. Be wary of links sent through social media or suspicious emails.
2. Create a Shopping List and Set a Budget: Planning your purchases in advance can help avoid impulse buys. Establish a spending limit and prioritize items you already need.
3. Compare Prices Before Black Friday: Monitor prices in the days leading up to the event to verify the authenticity of discounts. Several platforms allow for price comparisons across categories.
4. Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Prices: If an offer seems unrealistic, research the seller’s reputation. Avoid entering personal information on unfamiliar websites.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Payments: These networks are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Use a private network or mobile data.
6. Save Receipts and Electronic Invoices: These are essential for claims, returns, and transaction verification.
You can learn more about the origins of Black Friday here.
Technology Challenges Threaten Black Friday for Businesses
The surge in e-commerce is placing significant strain on businesses to prepare for a massive influx of users. Many companies, however, are finding themselves unprepared for the increased demand. The event is the largest shopping event in Latin America, and Colombian consumers are expected to spend over 2 trillion pesos (approximately $5 billion USD) during the 2025 edition.
A study by Galileo Financial Technologies revealed that 37% of Colombian business leaders believe their technology systems are not functioning properly during periods of high demand. This highlights a critical infrastructure gap as companies navigate peak shopping seasons.
The report, part of the new Technical Inclusion Index, identifies key bottlenecks hindering the performance of digital commerce during events like Black Friday. “After speaking with over 600 technology leaders in Latin America and the United States, we’ve identified hidden barriers – such as cumbersome legacy systems and costly data silos – that prevent companies from reaching consumers at peak demand,” says Abdul Assal, Head of Business Development for Brazil and Colombia at Galileo.
These failures not only increase operational costs but also impact sales, hinder customer acquisition, and degrade the overall shopping experience.
You can find more information here.
Technology Failures Can Derail Black Friday Sales
The Galileo report details the extent of the problem, with 59% of Latin American leaders and 64% of Colombian leaders recognizing their technological infrastructure as the primary cause of failures during demand spikes. This underscores the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
48% of Colombian companies allocate more than half of their IT budget to maintaining and updating legacy systems, which still prove insufficient. These ongoing costs demonstrate the challenges of supporting outdated technology.
80% admit that these outdated platforms limit their ability to offer modern and inclusive experiences. This lack of innovation could impact their competitiveness in the long run.
Perhaps the most striking finding of the report: 28% of Colombian leaders estimate they lose over 20% of potential new business due to a lack of inclusive and robust technology. This represents a significant revenue loss for businesses during a critical sales period.
You can read more about Colombia’s preparations for the shopping season here.
