Nearly three-quarters of businesses reported an increase of between 10 and 30 per cent in sales on Black Friday when compared to their normal daily sales.

Nine per cent of businesses, who were responding to a survey by the Chamber of Small and Medium Businesses (GRTU), also said their sales were “much better” than last year’s on the day.

Forty six per cent said their performance was better than last year’s while the other 45% said it was similar.

The survey revealed that Black Friday – a relatively new phenomenon in Malta – appears to have spread in terms of participation and number of sectors involved.

WATCH: What did shoppers make of Black Friday sales?

Besides technology, clothes, shoes and beauty products, discounts were also offered in household and home products, car rental and sales, supermarkets, opticians, the tourism sector, sporting goods and hobbies.

An increase of between 10 and 30 per cent

Forty per cent of respondents said they extended their Black Friday offers to the entire weekend. Many shop owners saw an increase in sales in the days prior to Black Friday and on the day itself, followed by a slump, with some fearing it could have an effect on Christmas shopping.

Some ended up spending more than they planned because they found it difficult to resist the bargains.

However, some complained of traffic congestion lasting hours. Businesses also reported difficulty in catering for the surge in sales because of a lack of human resources.