Black Friday- Does It Actually Benefit Anyone?
Black Friday might seem like a shopper's dream, but it has some serious downsides, both for the planet and for retailers.
Overconsumption Concerns:
In the UK, Black Friday encourages people to buy more than they need, often leading to impulse purchases that end up as waste- we have all been there- Do i need it? Would it be a good present? Thoughts rushing through your head as the clock ticks away that the offer will shortly expire! But what about the environmental cost of these impulse purchases, that cost is huge, from the energy used to produce and ship items to the piles of discarded products. It feeds a throwaway culture, especially with fast fashion and electronics, where items are quickly replaced and forgotten.
Impact on Retailers:
For businesses, Black Friday isn’t always a win either. Offering huge discounts can shrink profit margins, retailers may feel pressured to slash prices just to keep up with competitors. This constant push for lower prices can harm brand value, as customers get used to expecting discounts, making it harder to sell at full price later- its pretty hard to wean customers off the discount drug!
Retailers also face logistical headaches with increased demand, putting strain on staff and supply chains. Extended sales like Cyber Monday spread the impact over weeks, making it tough to maintain momentum and profitability at what would have been peak selling before the Christmas holiday.
So whilst Black Friday may be a shot in the arm of liquidity for some retailers it’s long-term effects often aren’t great for businesses or the planet.
This Black Friday if you feel compelled to shop- make a list, check it twice, only purchase for those who have been nice. Or better still avoid the discounts, the crowds, the doom scrolling and quietly visit those brands that do good, know their value AND only purchase what you really ‘NEED’.
For brands that do good and look good - visit our shop sustainably page for some brands that we love and think you will too.