Oh Beth, I love your take on this stuff!! I especially thought it was interesting to think about what our participation (or lack thereof) says about us. I really struggle with Black Friday because of the way it turns off all my good shopping habits. And being on the creator side is a hard because I see the “missed opportunity” of promoting sales so I try to be very selective about my approach. Please don’t hear that as me having it figured out though 😉
Well said, Beth! Black Friday is an artificial buying frenzy that has reached a fever pitch and manipulation at its worst. I do believe we can avoid the impulse buying encouraged by the sales and use it to our advantage by knowing exactly what we actually need and buying it if a sale opportunity presents itself. Or buying necessities, you'll buy anyway in the future at a better price. I know a woman who makes a spreadsheet of all the things she continually buys, everything from skin care to dog food, and stocks up on Black Friday, from the comfort of her home, of course. Apologies from the US for exporting Black Friday to the UK!
Hi Beth, I reposted your article to LI, as well as shared it to a few CEOs I know in retail. Of the many years I have worked in the industry, I don't think anyone has captured the psychology of the day (historically and presently) as you did in this keen observation. (I tried to credit you there but it did not automatically tag your name. Feel free to comment for visibility to your page.)
I have chatted with a few brands this year about the importance of authenticity and transparency. What you described is so very accurate and feels like "manipulation" when the prices are the same (sometimes from Black Friday through December 26th). And often displayed in dirty stores that are barely staffed, yet we still show up in droves feel like that represents "customer service".
My allegiance still goes to the boutique businesses who cannot afford to constantly discount their wares and scarcity is just a reality of their open-to-buy. But those businesses gift wrap, and offer human experience and real joy to surprise and delight their loyal customer.
Thank you for the very well written article.
Having spent copious years on Black Friday refolding sweaters for corporations, then leaving that behind for my small business - where I could dazzle and delight with authenticity, I still find myself wanting to observe and/or engage with the customer on Friday.
It is either retail passion, retail masochism, or retail curiosity - but I am there for it. Occasionally you still get to see families dressed alike, sipping hot cocoa or such - just enjoying their time together.
Oh Beth, I love your take on this stuff!! I especially thought it was interesting to think about what our participation (or lack thereof) says about us. I really struggle with Black Friday because of the way it turns off all my good shopping habits. And being on the creator side is a hard because I see the “missed opportunity” of promoting sales so I try to be very selective about my approach. Please don’t hear that as me having it figured out though 😉
Haha whaddya you mean you don’t have it all figured out? If Kelly doesn’t, there’s no hope for me :) ❤️
😂😂😂
Well said, Beth! Black Friday is an artificial buying frenzy that has reached a fever pitch and manipulation at its worst. I do believe we can avoid the impulse buying encouraged by the sales and use it to our advantage by knowing exactly what we actually need and buying it if a sale opportunity presents itself. Or buying necessities, you'll buy anyway in the future at a better price. I know a woman who makes a spreadsheet of all the things she continually buys, everything from skin care to dog food, and stocks up on Black Friday, from the comfort of her home, of course. Apologies from the US for exporting Black Friday to the UK!
Haa. Also that lady’s spreadsheet - genius.
Hi Beth, I reposted your article to LI, as well as shared it to a few CEOs I know in retail. Of the many years I have worked in the industry, I don't think anyone has captured the psychology of the day (historically and presently) as you did in this keen observation. (I tried to credit you there but it did not automatically tag your name. Feel free to comment for visibility to your page.)
I have chatted with a few brands this year about the importance of authenticity and transparency. What you described is so very accurate and feels like "manipulation" when the prices are the same (sometimes from Black Friday through December 26th). And often displayed in dirty stores that are barely staffed, yet we still show up in droves feel like that represents "customer service".
My allegiance still goes to the boutique businesses who cannot afford to constantly discount their wares and scarcity is just a reality of their open-to-buy. But those businesses gift wrap, and offer human experience and real joy to surprise and delight their loyal customer.
Thank you for the very well written article.
Having spent copious years on Black Friday refolding sweaters for corporations, then leaving that behind for my small business - where I could dazzle and delight with authenticity, I still find myself wanting to observe and/or engage with the customer on Friday.
It is either retail passion, retail masochism, or retail curiosity - but I am there for it. Occasionally you still get to see families dressed alike, sipping hot cocoa or such - just enjoying their time together.
Thanks Suzi, you're a retail expert so this means a lot. :)