A WOKINGHAM mum says she won’t be taking part in Black Friday events – and is hoping others will join her in a Buy Nothing campaign instead.
The US-inspired shopping event this year falls on Friday, November 27 and is a day when retailers offer large discounts ahead of the pre-Christmas rush.
Although big supermarket chain Asda has announced that it won’t be taking part in Black Friday, other retailers will and sales over this weekend are expected to top £3.5bn as bargain hunters go out in force or shop online.
Last year, video footage emerged of people fighting over bargains as retailers were caught by surprise at the demand for these flash sales. This year, to avoid repeat scenes, many retailers will stagger start times or offer a range of different deals across the whole weekend rather than a single day.
However, for one Wokingham mum even this isn’t enough and she is vowing to spend Black Friday by keeping her purse shut.
Victoria Stanborough is a supporter of the Buy Nothing campaign, a grassroots movement that is now active in more than 60 countries.
She told The Wokingham Paper: “I was totally shocked and disgusted when I saw the scenes surrounding the Black Friday sales last November. When I saw the initiative Buy Nothing Friday on Facebook I immediately joined.
“I totally understand the plight of the local small business and have pledged to still support them but have promised not to buy anything from the Black Friday sales.
“I think we need to pause occasionally from the blind commercialism surrounding Christmas and replace it with meaningful actions instead.
“I will be spending time with my family finishing off our costumes for the Incredible Edible procession in the Wokingham Winter carnival”.
Buy Nothing Day started in the early 1990s and has since inspired personal and joint action against consumerism.
A spokesperson for the campaign said: “Buy Nothing Day is where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life.
“The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from buying stuff. Anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending. Instead of shopping people around the world will take part in a 24-hour moratorium on consuming, either as a personal experiment or public statement.
“Buy Nothing Day isn’t just about changing your habits for one day it is about rediscovering what it means to live freely.
“If you are going to buy, make a choice and go local, independent, or make something. Let’s take back our lives and stop buying into [consumerism].”
The campaign uses the following hashtags #BuyNothingDay #BoycottBlackFriday
What do you think? Is Black Friday a good thing or will you be joining in the Buy Nothing Day campaign? Have your say in the comments form below.
