Is Black Friday Overrated?

Every year, shoppers swarm shops and crash websites in the hopes of snagging the best deals. For some, it’s a smart way to save money on essentials or Christmas gifts. For others, it’s a day that epitomises the worst of fast fashion, waste, and unnecessary spending. Beneath the glossy marketing campaigns and midnight queues lies the question worth asking: is black friday a blessing or just a cleverly disguised trap for over-consumerism? 

For those on tight budgets, Black Friday can be a financial lifesaver. With Christmas just around the corner, it offers an opportunity to grab those desired gifts at significantly reduced prices. With the cost-of-living crisis still at large, these discounts can make a huge difference. And can give those a chance to treat loved ones to what they deserve. Moreover, for us students, things like tech, secret santa presents or even a cheeky ASOS purchase becomes a bit more justifiable, allowing us to have a small splurge in the festive season.

But let’s talk about the flip side, since has past when Black Friday was a single day of one-off deals, it has now morphed into weeks of consumerism with retailers releasing pre black friday offers and warmed up discounts in order to attract a frenzy of avid buyers, eager to score what seems an unmissable opportunity, simply because they’re discounted. How many of us have added that one top to the basket because the price was just too good to pass on? The promise of a "deal" can make even the most level-headed shopper impulsive.

The chaos of Black Friday has made headlines time and time again. Everyone has seen at least one video on social media of the typical scene outside the shop doors: herds of people, game faces on and ready to do whatever in order to get that discounted toaster - yes, shoppers are wrestling over a toaster. Yet, this chaos doesn’t repel the same crowds to form when the 29th of November comes around.

Brands like PrettyLittleThing have faced backlash for extreme Black Friday promotions, such as their infamous 99p sale. Two hours only and thousands of items for 99p - it's like a supermarket sweep challenge. While these deals might seem incredible, they highlight the dark side of fast fashion: items produced at unsustainable rates, often under unlawful working conditions and quality not promised.

And it’s not just the ethics, it’s the environment too. While we chase the deals, the environment is paying the hefty price tag we are dodging. Black Friday accelerates this throwaway culture that fast fashion thrives on. The surge in online shopping during this mania significantly increases carbon emissions with the rise in packaging, shipping, and even returns. The small amount of money we save creates a huge problem for the future of our planet.

So, Is Black Friday Worth It? The answer depends on how you approach it. If you’re shopping with a purpose and looking for specific items you genuinely need, Black Friday can be a great way to save money. However, if you’re someone who’s easily tempted by flashy discounts, it’s worth asking yourself: Do I really need this? Black Friday thrives on urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out), so it’s essential to shop mindfully, and control your spendings.

Edited by Phoebe Huzij