November 14, 2023
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3 MIN READ
Support small businesses this Christmas: Everything you need to know about Colour Friday
As the festive season begins, you’ve probably noticed Christmas ads popping up everywhere, with stores already gearing up for the holidays. And what’s right around the corner? Black Friday. It's the big shopping event that lures us in with discounts, tempting many to buy on impulse. But this year, maybe we should pause to think about more than just getting deals.
Despite the cost-of-living crisis, UK shoppers are still expected to spend around £5.6 billion on Black Friday. Yet, behind this spending, there’s a harsh reality: one in three small UK businesses fear they may close by the end of 2024 (Novuna, 2024).
Still, the UK's spending power remains strong. But there’s a clear tension between the frenzy of Black Friday and the struggles of small businesses. So, what if we tried something different this year?
Key takeaways
- Spending Forecast: UK shoppers are expected to spend £5.6 billion on Black Friday, even as concerns grow for small businesses.
- Support Small Businesses: Colour Friday encourages buying from independent shops. If everyone buys just one gift locally, it could add £2.7 billion to the UK economy.
- Fair Pricing: Small businesses offer fair prices all year, focusing on real value instead of big discounts.
- Community Impact: Supporting small businesses helps keep local creativity alive and sustains community livelihoods.
Enter Colour Friday
Colour Friday offers a refreshing alternative to Black Friday. Led by Holly Tucker, founder of Not On The High Street, this movement encourages us to rethink how we spend our money. Instead of chasing the next big discount, Colour Friday invites us to support the heart of our communities - small, independent businesses.
Did you know that if each of us bought just one Christmas gift from a local shop, we could collectively add £2.7 billion to the UK's small businesses? That’s huge! But Colour Friday is about more than just buying gifts. It’s about supporting someone’s dream, helping a local family, and investing in high-quality, thoughtfully made products.
How can you support Colour Friday?
Start by shopping small. Choose unique, handmade gifts crafted with care, rather than mass-produced items that might end up forgotten. When you buy from a small business, you’re getting something meaningful and lasting.
Supporting small businesses isn’t just about spending money. Share the love by leaving positive reviews, recommending your favourite shops on social media, and helping them get the visibility they deserve. Even small actions like these can make a big difference.
The truth about Black Friday discounts
Everyone loves a good deal, but it’s important to remember that small businesses operate differently. Unlike big corporations, they don’t raise prices just to cut them for sales events. In fact, 98% of Black Friday 'deals' aren’t actually the lowest price of the year (Which? 2023).
Small businesses keep their prices fair all year long. This means they can’t compete with the jaw-dropping discounts of retail giants. But what they do offer is real value - authentic, quality products without tricks or inflated costs.
Colour Friday and Amaranthine: A note from Sarah
As the founder of Amaranthine, I’m incredibly passionate about the Colour Friday campaign. Like so many small business owners, I’ve poured my heart into building something that matters - a sustainable, community-driven skincare brand. But this year, it’s been hard. The cost-of-living challenge (as I like to call it) has hit us all, and sales have dropped across the board.
That’s why Colour Friday means so much to me. It’s not just about the money; it’s about keeping the spirit of small businesses alive. When you choose to support Amaranthine, or any small business, you’re supporting people who genuinely care about their products and their customers. You’re helping dreams stay alive.
So this year, I’m pledging to be a part of Colour Friday, and I’m asking you to join me. Together, let’s support independent businesses, celebrate creativity, and make a real difference. Let’s vote with our money and show the world that we care more about quality, sustainability, and community than chasing cheap, throwaway deals.
Sources:
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Exclusive artwork Created by @Rebecca_Strickson_ Illustration
Our products mentioned in this article
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Sarah Rueger
About the author
Sarah is the founder of certified palm oil free natural skincare brand Amaranthine. She is a qualified organic skincare formulator and has diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Clinical Aromatherapy.
