It’s that time of year again – your inbox is bombarded with “unmissable deals,” countdown clocks are ticking away, and the pressure to grab those Black Friday bargains is sky-high. But here at The Store Collective, we’ve taken a different route. Why? Because we believe shopping can (and should) be more intentional than that. With two weeks to go, here's why we ask for your support of Holly & Co's COLOUR FRIDAY instead.
At the core of The Store Collective is our commitment to 'Shop with Purpose'. That means we focus on thoughtful, ethical, and sustainable products. And while Black Friday might feel like a great way to snag a deal, it’s more about encouraging overconsumption and quick fixes – things that just don’t align with our values.
What’s the Big Deal with Black Friday?
Let’s be realistic: Black Friday is designed to make you buy 'more'. Not necessarily what you need or even really want, but 'more'. It’s impulse shopping on steroids. The problem is, we often end up with things that are used once (if at all) before they get shoved to the back of the wardrobe or, worse, thrown in the bin. That’s a huge waste. All these impulse buys contribute to the growing pile of stuff that’s eventually headed to the landfill. Plus, many Black Friday products are made cheaply and quickly to meet demand, which means their environmental footprint is anything but small.
At The Store Collective, we’d rather focus on quality and longevity. Is this something you’ll love and use for years to come? How was it made? Who made it? These are the questions we think should matter.
Fast Fashion’s Dirty Secret
One of the biggest Black Friday draws is fast fashion, and this is where things get messy. Fast fashion is all about cranking on-trend clothes as quickly and cheaply as possible – and that comes with a high cost. Workers are often underpaid, environmental resources are exploited, and the clothes themselves? Well, they don’t tend to last much longer than the sale.
The result? A never-ending cycle of cheap, throwaway fashion that fills our closets (and our landfills). Black Friday only accelerates that wasteful cycle. Eeek.
A Better Way to Shop
So, what’s the alternative? At The Store Collective, we believe in shopping with intention – meaning we focus on products that are ethically made, sustainably sourced, and built to last. Instead of buying five throwaway items, why not invest in one beautiful piece for you or your home that you’ll treasure for years?
It’s not just better for the planet, but better for you, too. When you choose something with care, it becomes more than just a purchase – it’s a meaningful addition to your life. That’s the philosophy behind our 'Shop with Purpose' policy, which encourages everyone to think about the 'why' behind their purchases.
Skip the Frenzy, Shop with Purpose
This Black Friday, instead of getting caught up in the sales frenzy, we invite you to pause and think about what you truly need. Shop mindfully, support businesses that care about sustainability, and focus on quality over quantity. That's why we support Holly Tucker's COLOUR FRIDAY instead. Here's what Holly & Co have to say about the campaign:
"Four years ago, we launched Colour Friday to turn Black Friday on its head and celebrate the wealth of colour and creativity that small businesses bring to the UK — and we’re about to do it again! It’s time to come together to shine a light on our rich and vibrant community (both online and on our high streets) that are the backbone of this nation. If you believe in voting with your money, we urge you to buy your Christmas gifts from independent retailers this year."
You won’t just feel better about your purchases – you’ll be part of a movement that prioritizes thoughtful consumption over a quick deal. And this year's artwork has been created by Margate's very own Rebecca Strickson whose work you can find instore. Let’s ditch the one-day sale madness and shop with purpose all year round.
We do of course always have items in our sale, with up to 50% off selected lines at different times, as we make way for new stock and clear end-of-season items. Shopping well doesn't mean you can't still grab some fantastic savings! Check it out HERE. Signing up to our NEWSLETTER on the website also gets you additional discounts across the year that are exclusive to our subscribers.
Or browse our CHRISTMAS SHOP or WHAT'S NEW section for gift ideas.
Embrace the colour, shout about your local and loved independents, like their posts, write them a google review - there are so many ways you can support them and put your money towards supporting local economies rather than billionaires!
Colour Friday takes place on 29th November 2024.