Making You Content’s Post

This morning, my inbox and phone were flooded with reminders that today is Black Friday - as if anyone could possibly not be aware! Somehow Black Friday has ballooned into a week, a month, and scarily I have even heard a brand refer to "Black Season" ! For many small businesses, this period can be overwhelming, with immense pressure to discount deeply and compete with larger retailers. It’s enough to make some despair. So, in search of solace, I turned to the Hubbub website—a true voice of reason amid the chaos. Their support for the #BRIGHTFRIDAY campaign was a breath of fresh air. The campaign encourages businesses to take a stand and do something different today: * Promote buying second-hand or preloved items. * Donate profits to a worthy cause instead of discounting. * Inspire customers to value quality and sustainability over urgency and excess. It reminded me of Patagonia's bold move a few years ago, donating 100% of their Black Friday profits to environmental causes, or REI’s #OptOutside campaign, which encouraged people to step away from the sales frenzy and connect with nature. I have even read about brands that resisted Black Friday by raising their prices—some finding that this counterintuitive strategy led to increased sales! These examples are proof that there are alternatives. For small businesses especially, which often struggle to compete on price, Black Friday can feel like a race to the bottom. But campaigns like #BRIGHTFRIDAY show there’s another path—one that prioritizes people, planet, and purpose over profit. As consumers, too, we have a choice. Let’s support businesses that align with our values and remind ourselves that real impact often comes from conscious changes. How are you navigating Black Friday this year? Are you embracing alternatives like #BRIGHTFRIDAY, or have you seen other inspiring campaigns? #BrightFriday #BlackFri-Nay #EthicalRetail #COLOURFRIDAY #PurposeOverProfit #PlanetOverProfit

This morning, my inbox and phone were flooded with reminders that today is Black Friday - as if anyone could possibly not be aware! Somehow Black Friday has ballooned into a week, a month, and scarily I have even heard a brand refer to "Black Season" ! For many small businesses, this period can be overwhelming, with immense pressure to discount deeply and compete with larger retailers. It’s enough to make some despair. So, in search of solace, I turned to the Hubbub website—a true voice of reason amid the chaos. Their support for the hashtag #BRIGHTFRIDAY campaign was a breath of fresh air. The campaign encourages businesses to take a stand and do something different today: * Promote buying second-hand or preloved items. * Donate profits to a worthy cause instead of discounting. * Inspire customers to value quality and sustainability over urgency and excess. It reminded me of Patagonia's bold move a few years ago, donating 100% of their Black Friday profits to environmental causes, or REI’s hashtag #OptOutside campaign, which encouraged people to step away from the sales frenzy and connect with nature. I have even read about brands that resisted Black Friday by raising their prices—some finding that this counterintuitive strategy led to increased sales! These examples are proof that there are alternatives. For small businesses especially, which often struggle to compete on price, Black Friday can feel like a race to the bottom. But campaigns like hashtag #BRIGHTFRIDAY show there’s another path—one that prioritizes people, planet, and purpose over profit. As consumers, too, we have a choice. Let’s support businesses that align with our values and remind ourselves that real impact often comes from conscious changes. How are you navigating Black Friday this year? Are you embracing alternatives like hashtag #BRIGHTFRIDAY, or have you seen other inspiring campaigns? #BrightFriday #BlackFri-Nay #EthicalRetail #COLOURFRIDAY #PurposeOverProfit #PlanetOverProfit

“It's a logical thing for a sustainable brand to say, ‘Fuck Black Friday, we're not going to do this,’” says MUD Jeans’ head of marketing, Stephan Zeijlemaker. BUT Black Friday can actually be a good opportunity for purpose-driven brands to make an impact! Turning good intentions into action amid competitive pricing is challenging, especially during the busiest shopping season. Discounts offer a way to reconcile these conflicting feelings, providing an affordable gateway to conscious consumerism. However, discounts aren't the only option available. Take one of my favorite brands JUNGLÜCK for example: Instead of just relying on discounts, they combine attractive offers with social commitment. During its so-called “Glückswoche”, Junglück donates one euro per order to charity. With these campaigns the company founded by Benedikt Klarmann has already been able to build two schools in Malawi 💖 . Interested in finding out why purpose-driven brands shouldn't ignore Black Friday? Read our latest newsroom post, link in first comment 🔽

It takes quite some courage and boldness for a brand to defy the #BlackFriday dynamics and not give into its financial temptations. Because let's face it, it still is an immense seller out there - sadly - and not taking part in it will make you forego some easy money. But instead staying true to one's core values of creating a meaningful impact in this world, putting long term over short term thinking, quality and purpose over quantity and profit lust. Making people reflect about and change their consumption behaviour instead of amplifying their cravings. I have seen so many sustainable and conscious brands still going with the flow today, offering immense discounts. Even if they would be the better choice on a normal day for a need that is actually present, even if they often link these promotions to charitable causes, it still leads consumers into the trap of overconsumption - buying more than they actually need - by creating a sense of urgency and the promise of saving money. It still creates a need where there is none, stimulates a desire or craving where there was peaceful mind and contentment before, not missing anything. So, wrapping it up with a great example. Well done ARMEDANGELS! For making people pause and reflect about their consumption patterns and learn more about the underlying psychological drivers of a marketing trick like this instead of luring them with heavy promotions.

STOP! Think before you make that Black Friday purchase ⚠️ Do you really need that thing, or is it just because it's nicely discounted? And what if you knew that an estimated 80% of Black Friday purchases will end up in landfills? At Magenta, we’re highlighting brands that prove shopping consciously can still bring joy — without the waste. 💚 Here are a few of our favourites this year: Charity Super.Mkt – the UK’s first ever multi-charity shop based in Brighton – the perfect one stop shop for second-hand fashion Christmas gifts 🎁 Unfolded – the champions of slow fashion, only creating clothes once they have been ordered to avoid any waste 👗 Tony's Chocolonely - for championing a more ethical supply chain in the chocolate industry (and creating the most delicious chocolate in the process!) 🍫 Passenger – not only do they plant a tree for every purchase of their products (which are made from recycled materials!) but they are doing a “Green Friday” where they will plant 5 trees for every order🌲 Which brands do you think deserve a shoutout this Black Friday? Add them to the comments below 👇 #BlackFriday #SustainableShopping #GreenFriday

🚨 Black Friday Alert: Before you hit "add to cart," let’s talk about where those deals really lead… (hint: it’s not just your closet). Every year, the average person buys 15 kg of clothing 👔👚—basically a suitcase full. Now imagine this: by the time you’re done shopping for a lifetime, it could weigh as much as your car. 🚗 And here’s the kicker: 73% of those clothes end up in landfills or incinerators. This Black Friday, we’re challenging the "buy more, waste more" cycle. Let’s rethink how we shop: 🛒 Shop sustainably with brands like Minimalism that prioritize quality over quantity. 🔥 Thrift it like it’s hot—Resale platforms like ThredUp have gems that won’t break the bank or your eco-conscious heart 🎸 Lease before you commit—With brands like Musicopolix you can explore a range of instruments for a month or two without making a permanent commitment. 🧵 Repair and upcycle—Brands like Patagonia have a great repair services for your clothes. ♻️ Donate or recycle—because the planet deserves better. Let’s make this season a little less black and a whole lot greener. 🌍 💚 #CircularEconomy #BlackFriday #Sustainability #Sharpei

Black Friday, White, Green, Blue… ⚫⚪🟢🔵 This year, I’ve clearly noticed the impact of Black Friday (and not just Black Friday) on myself as a consumer. I decided to dive deeper into understanding this phenomenon. Black Friday has long gone beyond a single day. It now stretches over weeks, sometimes even months. But what's more intriguing is the rise of new "color-coded" concepts: White Friday, Green Friday, Blue Friday. 🔍 What do they mean? White Friday — symbolizes mindful shopping. Instead of aggressive discounts, brands allocate a portion of their profits to charitable causes. Green Friday — highlights sustainability. The focus is on eco-friendly products and minimizing overconsumption. Blue Friday — often associated with supporting small businesses. It’s a day to help local entrepreneurs grow. Marketing is no longer just about sales. Today, consumers want to see values they can connect with. Black Friday and its "colorful neighbors" are not just about discounts but also a way for brands to showcase their principles and commitment. But is there a downside? Could the abundance of "Fridays" dilute the very idea of such campaigns? How do you feel about these new formats?

What if skipping #BlackFriday sales could be the best gift you give to future generations? While the world rushes to grab “deals,” let’s pause and think about the real cost of Black Friday. Did you know that 85% of these so-called deals are just marketing tricks? That’s why today, on #BuyNothingDay, we’re shifting the focus away from spending money on overconsumption and toward understanding its hidden costs: 🌲 Deforestation: Forests are destroyed to meet growing demands, displacing wildlife and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. 🌊 Pollution: Oceans are polluted with plastic waste and microfibers from fast fashion. 🌡️ Carbon Emissions: The production and transportation of goods pump greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, driving climate change. 💧 Water Waste: Producing one pair of jeans uses 7,500 litres of water - a critical resource we can’t afford to waste. This year, let’s flip the script. Instead of overconsumption, let’s invest in what truly matters, for example, you could spend money today on: ✨ Planting a tree through organisations like One Tree Planted. Trees absorb CO2, restore ecosystems, and create habitats for wildlife. ✨ Support a cause: Donate to charities that provide clean water, sustainable housing, or education for communities in need. ❓How are you making a difference this Buy Nothing Day? Comment below and share how you’re choosing sustainability over Black Friday deals! #Sustainability #ClimateAction #GreenLiving

Love it or hate it, Black Friday is here to stay. But every year, amidst the tidal wave of emails and discount codes, a few brands manage to stand out with innovative, thoughtful campaigns that not only drive sales but also reinforce their values. Here are the brands nailing Black Friday in 2024: 🥣 SURREAL turned financial urgency into humour with their plea: "Please buy our cereal today while it's full price; turns out it's more profitable for us if you pay full price." A playful foreshadow on a Black Friday deal with a clever twist on traditional discounts. 🌸 Good Tuesday | BCorp opted for purpose over price cuts, donating 20% of sales to grassroots charity Hidden Help. Proof that value-led initiatives resonate. 🌊 Finisterre stayed true to its roots, matching every Black Friday order with a donation to connect people to the ocean, aligning perfectly with their brand ethos. 🧴 The Ordinary championed thoughtful consumption with "Slowvember," extending their offer into December and inviting shoppers to make considered, not rushed, purchases. Black Friday can be so much more than slashed prices and rushed purchases, brands doing it well are crafting campaigns that align with their brand and connect with their audience. Any I've missed that should be added to this post? Save for 2025 Black Friday inspiration 💾 #BlackFriday #eCommerce #Shopping

Black Friday Frenzy or Conscious Consumption? 🤔 Black Friday is almost here, and while deals are tempting, let's not forget the environmental cost of overconsumption. As businesses and organisations, we can lead the way in making Black Friday a little greener! Why not: - Promote Mindful Purchases: Encourage employees to buy only what they truly need. If you are in retail offer discounts on sustainable and durable products. - Digital Deals: Reduce paper waste by promoting deals and offers online only not in print. Send e-vouchers instead of printed coupons. - Sustainable Packaging: If shipping products, use eco-friendly packaging materials and minimise waste. - E-waste Awareness: Black Friday often sees a surge in electronic purchases. Promote responsible e-waste disposal and recycling options. - Give Back Friday: Consider donating a portion of your Black Friday profits to an environmental charity or organising a community cleanup initiative as a counter balance. Let's shift the focus from mindless consumption to conscious choices this Black Friday. #SustainableBlackFriday #GreenDeals #CircularEconomy #ReduceWaste #ShopResponsibly hubba - Helping you achieve your sustainability goals. Get in touch for waste management solutions and eco-friendly practices 👉 hubbauk.com