News - #NOTONEDIME #NOBLACKFRIDAY

I have never been a fan of Black Friday sales and more specifically the madness which surrounds it. I’m generally adverse to big crowds and hate the “push & shove” mentality required to get that one item which happens to be the 70% off advertised item.

As a small business owner, I find I actually have very strong feelings of loathing (Yes - LOATHING) towards the entire system which promotes excess and plays off our “fear of missing out”

Black Friday sales encourage people to spend money on things they otherwise would not buy because - they do not need it in the first place and even more sadly, can not afford to buy but do anyways.

Black Friday deals attract low-value customers - these customers have almost no relationship with or loyalty to a retailer and only occasionally make purchases—and those purchases usually have low margins. Why would I as a women owned handmade business want that kind of customer?

Big box stores buy in huge volume and can afford to offer deep discounts. Local small businesses simply can not match those prices and still remain profitable. Many small businesses operate with very tight margins so it is difficult to compete on a day which is entirely based on price slashing.

Instead I encourage you to save your money and wait just one day - and participate in Small Business Saturday on November 30th. Last year, small businesses took in a record $17.8 billion in sales on Small Business Saturday which rewards your local stores/shops/boutiques by keeping your dollars in your community and does not operate on the basis of deep discounts.

You will not find many sales - although occasionally you will at a percentage which is sustainable. What you will find however are passionate store owners who are committed to their businesses, and local community. Driven and hard working, these small businesses want nothing more than to provide value and a well made product while keeping your hard earned $$ in the town where you live and work. SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES BY SHOPPING SMALL