If you think about November, in terms of online shopping, you all probably think about the big Black Friday deals at the end of the month. We’ve all been guilty of seizing the opportunity to buy something at crazy discounts. Who wouldn’t, right?

As the Black Friday madness keeps on growing year after year, we see the rise of some anti-Black Friday movements. More and more people and companies are questioning the effects of the one-day (well, it’s been more of a week lately) buying frenzy on the economy and mostly on the planet.

Green is the new black

Big Black Friday deals mostly go hand in hand with free shipping, more packaging materials and more waste of products ending up in growing landfills. Those offers result in an enormous impact on the environment. With people thinking more about the effects of their behaviour on their direct environment and the growing awareness of climate change, the anti-consumerism movement is growing rapidly. They want to encourage people to buy local, only buy what you actually need and spend your money on impactful organizations instead of materialistic stuff. If you don’t have any plans for this particular Friday, you can consider funding a good cause or spending time with your family and friends. It’s good for you, good for your wallet and good for the planet.

Bellerose, the Belgian fashion brand, already set a good example here in 2018 by creating not green but “Blue Friday”. 20% of that day’s revenue was donated to The Ocean Cleanup. Every year they find another great environmental cause to support. 

Small Business Saturday

In 2010, American Express created the Small Business Saturday, where people – on the Saturday after Thanksgiving – are encouraged to do their holiday shopping at small businesses. For over a decade now, the movement has been growing a lot and more organizations have come together to promote the benefits of supporting local businesses. Every time you “shop small”, you are making a difference. 

In times like these, with the financial impact of the  COVID19 pandemic, people are starting to realize that supporting their local economy is now more important than ever before.

If you are a small business, think about the following tips to boost your business on this particular Saturday:

• Offer an exclusive discount to customers who register that Saturday. It’s been known that loyalty programs increase engagement with new and old customers.
• Connect with local bloggers and influencers to increase your exposure to people who could actually be potential customers. 
• Personalise your packages by including a small “thank you”-note or maybe even a small gift. People will feel more valued and the chances of them becoming a recurring customer will increase.
• Join forces with other local shops. The bigger your voice, the more impact it will have on people.

Buy Nothing Friday

Last but not least, another movement, created by artist Ted Dave in Canada and emerged over the last years, is a reaction to the Black Friday madness as well. The people behind Buy Nothing Friday (aka Blackout Friday) encourage others to replace the chaos with a day of buying absolutely nothing. Instead, enjoy time with your family and friends or go for a walk in your neighbourhood to celebrate our beautiful nature. Whatever you do on this day, it’s all about drawing attention to the issue of overconsumption.

You can recognize the participants with a totally black post on their social media. 

In conclusion, whatever you do at the end of November, choose something that feels right for you and your business. Don’t follow the majority, just do whatever you are comfortable with. If you have no idea where to begin or you want some more information about how to set-up your own initiative, whichever you choose, feel free to reach out to the Dotters!