How brands are seeking planet and community friendly Black Friday alternatives to the classic one day sale frenzy.
Black Friday has been and still is an amazing sales opportunity for certain sectors of retail and ecom, but as we become more consumer-conscious and try to buy ‘meaningful’ rather than ‘cheap’ it’s time to consider Black Friday alternatives?
Some would argue that Black Friday is an outdated idea so are there any alternative solutions to a one day flash sale? Something more aligned with the way you do business?
The good news is yes there are Black Friday alternatives, and I wanted to share a few of these with you:-
5 Black Friday Alternatives: Meaningful Ways to Show Up This Year
1. More days/more products.
Perhaps a longer ‘sale’ period across your whole range would work better than a flash sale on just a few items.
Instead of one intense day, why not extend your offer across several days or even a week?
This eases the pressure for both you and your customers, giving them more time to make intentional purchases instead of impulse ones.
Think of it as a slow sale, still rewarding your customers, but without the chaos of countdowns and midnight shopping carts. You could even theme each day around a product range, a story, or customer favourites to keep it engaging throughout.
2. Buy Nothing Day. A Bold Stand for Conscious Living
It’s a brave but bold statement to share with your audience, but one that could be used to demonstrate your values as a business.
This one’s not for everyone, but it sends a powerful message.
What if you used Black Friday to encourage your audience to pause, to not buy, but to reflect? To rest?
You could use the day to talk about why you do what you do, your brand’s values, or the story behind your most-loved product. By choosing not to sell for 24 hours, you might just create the most memorable brand moment of the season.
3. Donate. Where Every Purchase Counts Twice
Making the day about something more than just your business demonstrates a real sense of consciousness and humility to your audience.
You don’t have to ditch discounts altogether to make an impact.
Consider donating a percentage of sales to a charity, local community project, or cause your customers deeply care about. Or, instead of a blanket sale, when your audience buys something they love, they also support something bigger.
It’s a small shift that turns a sales moment into a shared act of generosity.
4. Green Friday.
This one’s not just for e-commerce brands.
Green Friday focuses on choosing experiences, time, and sustainability over consumption. As a service-based business, you could use the day to encourage people to invest in learning, growth, or creativity instead of more stuff.
For product-based businesses, highlight what makes your products built-to-last or eco-conscious.
For service providers, maybe it’s about helping people make space, not more clutter.
Green Friday can be your opportunity to align your brand with wellbeing, balance, and mindful living.
5. Colour Friday.
Spearheaded by Holly Tucker in 2021, #ColourFriday has become a joyful alternative for small businesses across the UK.
The message? Shop small. Shop bright. Shop independent.
It’s about highlighting the vibrancy, craftsmanship, and individuality that independents bring to our high streets and feeds.
Whether you’re a maker, designer, or creative entrepreneur, Colour Friday gives you the chance to celebrate your brand’s personality, share your story, and remind your audience that every purchase from you is personal.
You can find all of the details here. Get your Colour Friday Kit >
Do you have any other ideas for Black Friday alternatives? Please do share to help other small businesses.
Much love, Sarah x
p.s. Have you downloaded your Autumn/Winter Cosy Content Planner? It’s out now to help you get your seasonal content planned. Get your copy below.