Each year, the frenzy of Black Friday kicks off. Advertisements boasting massive discounts flood inboxes and storefronts, promising “once-in-a-lifetime deals” that make it seem like the ultimate shopping opportunity.

But while it may appear to be a win for consumers, the event carries hidden costs - especially for small businesses and the environment.

The Struggle for Small Businesses

For small businesses like ours, competing during Black Friday is a monumental challenge. Large corporations, with their vast resources and economies of scale, can afford to slash prices in ways that small retailers simply cannot match. The disparity often leaves small businesses struggling to keep up.

However, shopping small can make a real impact. Many small businesses do participate in Black Friday sales, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. It can provide a crucial boost to their operations, offering much-needed financial support that helps them stay afloat. For a small business, a successful Black Friday sale can mean paying employee wages, sourcing new materials, replenishing stock, and investing in the future. At its core, it can help a small family-owned shop keep its doors open and put food on the table.

Consumerism and Fast Fashion

Black Friday fuels the culture of consumerism, encouraging us to buy more than we truly need. Fast fashion, in particular, thrives during this time, with some brands offering cheap, disposable clothing at tempting prices. While these items may seem like a bargain, they’re often poorly made and contribute to the growing problem of textile waste. This disposable mindset undermines values like craftsmanship and sustainability, which are prioritized by us and many small businesses.

The environmental impact of fast fashion is staggering. Producing vast quantities of cheap clothing requires massive resources, from water and energy to labor. What’s worse, much of what’s purchased impulsively during Black Friday sales often ends up in landfills within months, perpetuating a harmful cycle of waste.

How to Shop Smarter

To counter the negative impacts of holiday shopping, consider adopting more mindful habits. Supporting local businesses not only strengthens your community but also keeps your money circulating within the local economy. By prioritizing quality over quantity, you reduce waste and align your purchases with values like sustainability and ethical production.

Shopping with intention allows us to resist the pull of hyper-consumerism, helping small businesses thrive despite the challenges of Black Friday. Let’s move from mindless spending to thoughtful giving, making the holidays more meaningful for everyone.

Lets 'Done Good Friday'

You may notice more small businesses embracing innovative ways to challenge the trend of Black Friday consumerism. These meaningful approaches are shaping the future of retail, emphasising positive impact over mass discounts. While small businesses face limitations, it’s inspiring to see them creating initiatives that bring goodness to the industry.

At our shop, we’re continuing the Black Friday tradition we introduced last year: Done Good Friday. Instead of discounting our goods, we’re focusing on giving back.

How Does It Work?

When you make a meaningful purchase from us on Friday, November 29th, we’ll include an extra dog collar in your box. This is intended for you to donate to your local animal rescue sanctuary, helping spread a little kindness.

Additionally, £1 from every single purchase will go toward dog food donations, which we’ll give on your behalf to The Rescue Hotel in Cardiff. If you don’t have the time to donate the extra collar yourself, no problem, just leave a note at checkout, and we’ll ensure it gets delivered to The Rescue Hotel along with the dog food and additional goods we'll be making up.

Although this of course has a financial implication to us, honestly we don't care, it's something we personally feel strongly about doing and with your help together we can make a positive change as we did back in 2023.

The Importance of a Collar for Rehoming

While a collar might seem like a small detail, it can be a significant part of the transition for a re-homed dog. It’s a practical tool that eases their adjustment, ensures safety during early walks, and shows adopters and shelter workers that the animal is valued and cared for. Every little bit helps when rehoming efforts face such overwhelming demand.

By donating a collar or other essentials, you're contributing to the bigger picture of helping rescue organisations and the dogs they care for - creating brighter futures for dogs in need.

Safety and Identification

A collar often serves as the first step in helping the dog adjust to their new home. It allows for attaching identification tags and leads, making outings and handling easier and safer.

Symbol of Care

For shelters and rehoming centres, giving a new collar signifies that the dog is being cared for and prepared for a better life, helping new owners feel equipped and encouraged.

Practical Support

Many rescues operate on tight budgets, so donations like collars alleviate some financial strain, allowing them to focus on other critical needs like medical care and training.

Dog Rehoming in the UK

According to the Dogs Trust, in 2022, more than 40,000 dogs were handed into shelters in the UK due to reasons like cost-of-living pressures, behavioural issues, and housing restrictions. The RSPCA reports that over 6,000 dogs were re-homed in 2022, but the demand for rehoming far exceeds the capacity of many rescue centres. With approximately 1.3 million UK households considering giving up pets due to financial strain, resources like donated collars, food, and supplies are more important than ever.

Thank you

If you got this far then we hope you have learned lots that help you make an informed decision on where to spend your well earned money this Black Friday. There is no doubt there are bargains to be had and found but do your research and don't get conned by big business who are contributing to a wasteful future that will only continue to grow should we continue to let it.