Black Friday’s roots go back to 1950s Philadelphia, where police coined the term to describe the disorder that erupted the day after Thanksgiving, as huge crowds flooded the city for post-holiday shopping. The heavy foot traffic created both economic opportunity and logistical nightmares, with gridlocked streets and overwhelmed store owners. Seeing this fervor as a marketing opportunity, retailers soon latched onto “Black Friday,” transforming it into a symbol of unmatched bargains. Over time, they rebranded it to imply that sales on this day could turn their profits “into the black,” shifting the focus to a retail “win-win” where shoppers saved, and companies thrived.

Yet, in recent years, Black Friday has taken a darker turn, becoming increasingly extreme. Major retailers and media outlets now sensationalize stories of crowded stores, fights over merchandise, and even tragic deaths, shootings, brawls etc to fuel anticipation, urgency, and the fear of missing out. Leveraging high-pressure, guerrilla marketing tactics, corporations encourage people to buy what they don’t need and, often, can’t afford. This approach distracts from the value of thoughtful, purposeful purchases and instead exploits emotions, pushing consumers to “act now” under the guise of catching limited-time “deals.”

For big corporations, these frenzied, sometimes dangerous events are highly profitable and a form of free advertising. Stories of stampedes and long lines reinforce the excitement and allure, driving more traffic each year. As a result, Black Friday has become a cycle of aggressive and more often than not unescessary spending that benefits major retailers, at the expense of small businesses and conscious consumption.

Why I Take a Different Approach

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday loom, promises of once-in-a-lifetime deals entice consumers everywhere. For a small, family-run business like mine, however, these high-pressure sales events present unique challenges—and even an ethical dilemma.

Unlike corporations with deep pockets, my business isn’t supported by investors or large teams; it’s just me, working diligently to offer quality products I truly believe in. When you choose to buy from me, you’re not supporting a faceless entity; you’re supporting a real family. Unlike big companies, I can’t afford to slash prices without undermining the sustainability of what I’ve built. Every order I fulfill is personal, done with care, and represents the integrity of what I stand for.

In my view, the widespread Black Friday/Cyber Monday marketing isn’t just misleading—it’s predatory. For me, this time of year doesn’t feel like a celebration of savings; instead, it highlights corporate greed and disgusting marketing tactics.

What I Offer Instead of Steep Discounts

Instead of offering extreme discounts, I’m focusing on what truly defines my business: quality, craftsmanship, and integrity. The majority of the products I sell, are hand-made with care by me, priced to honor fair wages and the value it brings to my customers. While I may not offer steep markdowns, I stand by the worth of each item, knowing it’s built for purpose to be used and valued for a long time.

If you’re here, you likely appreciate the significance of supporting small businesses. Each sale helps me continue doing what I love while staying committed to my values. This season, I invite you to shop with intention, choosing products that carry genuine value and purpose.