Black Friday - how can we be more sustainable?
You may have already started to notice Black Friday flash sales, ‘leaked’ discount codes and early access emails from your favourite shops. Ahead of Black Friday, we want to educate you about how overindulging in the big sales can sometimes be harmful, not just to your pockets, but to small businesses, the environment, and more. With the following tips and advice, you can get ready for a successful Black Friday in an ethical and sustainable way.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday was organically created in America, the day after the Thanksgiving holiday, to encourage sales to drive before Christmas. A foiled conspiracy from two large bankers on wall street brought the stock market to a crashing decline, bankrupting wall street barons to farmers. Now, It is typically a day full of special shopping deals and big discounts and is considered the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
Recently, Cyber Monday is a new addition and falls on the Monday following Black Friday (this year 28th November). Traditionally, Black Friday saw sales in physical stores while Cyber Monday was reserved for online discounts. However, as so much of our shopping is online these days, the distinction has blurred slightly, with many retailers offering big discounts over the entire weekend.
When is Black Friday?
The Black Friday 2022 sale will officially start on Friday 25th of November and lasts the entire weekend until the following Monday – Cyber Monday – when the sale event ends.
How much do we spend?
New data has predicted the average shopper is expected to spend 31% less this year, falling from £275 per person in 2021 to £189.59 in 2022. Despite shoppers reducing their spending, participation in Black Friday sales is set to increase, rising from 33% (17 million) Brits in 2021 to 39% (20.8 million) in 2022.
Our Advice & Tips
We know what you're thinking: it feels like just as slow fashion and plastic-reduction initiatives seemed to be gaining momentum, lockdown hit, non-essential shops closed, and we were all shopping online more than ever. But it's not all bad. This spike in e-commerce sales has generated more awareness than ever before. Apparently, 82% of us were already making purchases online anyway (according to a 2019 survey), it's just that now brands are being forced to address the impact this has on the environment. Sustainability is one of the worst Black Friday problems we face.
We want to encourage you that shop mindfully, sustainably, ethically, and small is easier than ever. Not only will this help you stay mindful of what and where you’re spending your money, but it will help and support the wider community around you. You can do this by following our sustainable shopping guide during the festive season, Black Friday and beyond:
- Shop Mindfully - Don’t buy for the sake of buying - It may seem simple but making a list of what you need can keep the temptations of overspending on Black Friday away. If you need to get gifts for Christmas, look for something in mind – scrolling can cause splashing.
- Shop Sustainably – why not try buying second-hand? By finding the right places, you can find some hidden gems in second hand or vintage shops. Why not come to one of our Ace Vintage sales? You might find exactly what you’re looking for.
- Shop Ethically – If second hand isn’t an option for you, buying local, independent or ethical. Why not shop for sustainable brands that are making a difference? Just head over to its website to learn about a brand’s ethics. Does it mention paying workers a fair wage? Or maybe funding important charity initiatives?
- Shop Small - Rather than defaulting to the high street giants this Black Friday, get out and explore the local stores of Liverpool. Why not support your fellow students at our Winter Fair on 15th Dec, as they will be selling their items? Join us for a day filled with shopping stalls, live performances, arts and crafts workshops and free festive food for all to enjoy.
