As a small business, it might seem odd that we’ve chosen not to take part in Black Friday. After all, it’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year, an opportunity to boost sales and attract new customers. But here’s the thing: Black Friday isn’t aligned with our values, and we believe there’s a better way to approach this time of year - something we like to call Green Friday.

Black Friday has become synonymous with overconsumption. It encourages a frenzy of purchasing that often leads to impulse buys, unnecessary waste, and a focus on quantity over quality. For many businesses, it’s about offering steep discounts to clear stock, which can put pressure on already tight margins. As a small business, we can’t (and won’t) compete with the endless flash sales offered by large corporations.

More importantly, Black Friday often comes at a cost to sustainability. The environmental impact of mass production, packaging, and shipping during this period is staggering. It exacerbates problems like carbon emissions, waste from single-use plastics, and the depletion of natural resources—all at a time when we should be making more thoughtful, sustainable choices.

Instead of participating in Black Friday, we’re embracing Green Friday. It’s our way of promoting mindful consumption and sustainability, encouraging customers to think before they buy and choose products that truly add value to their lives.

Green Friday isn’t about buying more—it’s about buying better. For us, this means championing locally made, high-quality products that are designed to last. It’s about supporting small businesses, artisans, and brands that prioritise ethical practices and eco-friendly materials.

Mindful shopping isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for people too. When you take the time to consider your purchases, you’re less likely to fall into the trap of buying things you don’t need. This approach fosters a stronger connection to the items you do buy—whether it’s a gift for a loved one or something special for yourself.

For small businesses like ours, it means we can focus on creating products we’re proud of without compromising on our values. We’d rather sell fewer items that truly resonate with our customers than churn out products just to meet a fleeting trend.

This Green Friday, we’re inviting you to join us in taking a more thoughtful approach to shopping. Instead of rushing into discounts and deals, why not:

• Support small, local businesses.
• Choose items made with sustainability in mind.
• Reflect on what you truly need and love 

Let’s make Green Friday a celebration of mindful consumption and meaningful choices.