You can get up to 100% discount*
*when you don’t buy anything
As Black Friday approaches, it is worth discussing our consumption habits and desire to spend money on anything to grab a better deal and discount.
Black Friday’s history goes back to the 19th century and was initially related to the financial crisis, specifically, the United States gold market crash in September 1869. Black Friday as a term was used another time later in 1950 by police in the city of Philadelphia, as they described the chaos on the day after Thanksgiving. Crowds flooded the city to see the bug football game with Army against the Navy. As the story continues, the most common story behind Black Friday links to retailers and their accounting. After the entire year operating at a loss, stores finally would earn some profit the day after Thanksgiving, as so many people would spend a fortune on holiday shopping. It is widely common in accountancy to record losses in red color and profits in black – so Black Friday represents the day when retail went into the profit zone.
The Black Friday shopping rush may be originated in the USA, but nowadays is spread all across the planet. We are living in the “early access discount,” “pre-Black Friday deal,” “our biggest sale,” etc. times. Black Friday is now extended into Black weekend plus Cyber Monday shopping event. There are many ways to make Black Friday sustainable and eliminate the impact of shopping.
Now, when we have some perspective, let’s dive into our habits, reconsider consumption trends, and stay mindful when shopping. I propose some ideas and tricks on how to avoid not needed spending.
The Green Friday movement is becoming more popular as companies promote responsible shopping habits and focus on the 9R model of the circular economy (refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, recover). Buying only if you need something and if only you would spend the full price for this item. Companies invite consumers to pay more attention to sustainable brands, local brands, and second-hand items. It is the perfect way to communicate your brand’s sustainable initiatives. For example, offering a discount only if customers return their old items for proper recycling.
The Giving Tuesday is another global movement that invites us to dedicate at least one day a year to give something back to society – whether it’s food, money, second-hand donations, also volunteering. So mark your calendars as Giving Tuesday 2022 falls on November 29.
Buy Nothing Day is another powerful way of avoiding over-consumption. If you have read some of my previous posts, you may notice that I’m fond of the climate-positive thinking approach. Selling catastrophe would not help our planet. On the contrary, a conscious lifestyle would go a long way. However, some brands out there intentionally close their store during Black Friday weekend as a protest. The main focus should be on communicating a brand’s identity and why it denies participating in a huge sales season.
Another example of the sustainable approach to Black Friday could be straightforward action – “For every item sold, we are planting a tree.” Activities vary from the donation of cash, participation in volunteering projects, or cooperation with any non-profit organization. People would be more likely to buy your products if they saw a direct impact. It is essential to communicate with the customers – why does your company work with that exact non-profit, how does that actual project help local communities, and, of course, customers should know all the financial sides of the deal.
There are many opportunities to use Black Friday as an informational excuse to educate customers and promote sustainable shopping. Being a shopaholic, I have tips on avoiding excessive shopping and spending, especially in November each year. People would not stop shopping only because they care about the planet. Pakistani women receiving unfair wages, piles of garbage dumps in India, and draining toxic waters in Malaysia are way too far from our routine lives. When we read about these problems in newspapers, we may be shocked and distraught, but on the next page, there is a discount coupon for a new dress. Exactly the dress we may need for the upcoming Christmas party… There are ways out of this vicious circle, believe me. We must recognize that there are many reasons to limit our shopping habits – saving money and time, changing lifestyles and hobbies.
First (and most important), delete all your subscriptions to the fashion brands. Unsubscribe from their emails, unfollow accounts on social media and even delete your shopping apps. Unsubscribe from social media influencers who make live unpacking and post about the latest fashion trends and must-haves. Remember that influencers cooperate with brands and make money advertising their products. We don’t need to “renew a winter wardrobe” or “celebrate summer with a new dress collection.” You won’t get extra motives to follow the Black Friday rush if you don’t receive notifications about it.
Review your current wardrobe – repair everything that can be fixed and bring something to a tailor if you are unhappy with the fit. Donate items you are not wearing. I have two simple rules: I put everything I’m wearing today back into my closet on the left side at the end of the day. After a couple of weeks, I can see if the right part of the closet has yet to be used. If I haven’t worn something for the last year, I won’t be wearing it and it’s time to resell or donate. Another rule is to keep the exact number of hangers for clothes – I can only buy something new if I have an available hanger. Always keep a list of the products you need. Be very specific. For example, don’t put on the list “new winter boots” but instead write down the exact brand and model. Assign a budget in advance, how much are you ready to spend. This would help to focus on Black Friday offers.
Always be cautious and mindful. Invest in quality and long-term products. Then, maybe this year, we can involve in Black Friday differently.