October 31st, 2025
Should Small Businesses Participate in Black Friday? Black Friday 2025 is on 28th November. Be prepared to seize the opportunity of the year’s largest shopping day.
As a small business, should you engage in Black Friday? Personally, I believe “definitely you should.”
Let me clarify, I am not a fan of Black Friday. I find it to be an awful idea for various reasons.
I feel it often promotes overconsumption and diminishes the value of quality goods, plus small businesses struggle to afford steep discounts as they are already battling to achieve reasonable profits.
Each year, the so-called bargains seem more about large corporate retailers dumping their unsatisfactory stock or making unrealistic offers, as it appears to me.
It is now no longer solely about one day, and some retailers and marketplaces are advertising Black Friday promotions a month (or even two months) in advance of the actual day. For 2025, Black Friday will take place on 28th November.
That being said, it is regrettably here to stay. It represents a significant retail sales day, making it unfortunate for small businesses not to engage, be involved, and secure their share of the sales revenue.
Similar to all sales and special promotions, small businesses tend to offer genuine deals. They often do it better than the larger corporations and provide their customers with a truly special experience.
How Small Businesses Can Benefit from Black Friday
Making Black Friday advantageous for both you and your customers is essential. You can apply an across-the-board percentage discount if that suits your model. Alternatively, you can be more imaginative, reaping more benefits from discounts while also providing your lovely customers with amazing deals.
One of the best advantages of being a small business is your agility and creativity. Unlike larger retailers, you can add a personal, thoughtful element to your Black Friday promotions.
Whether it’s a beautifully packaged mystery box, a themed gift set, or a heartfelt thank-you note with a future discount included in every order, these details make your offers unique and keep customers returning long after Black Friday.
Innovative Black Friday Ideas for Small Businesses.
Here are some suggestions for you:
- Utilize it to clear out slow-moving inventory, ensuring that while a customer buys the discounted item, they might also add additional products to their cart.
- Upsell by creating product bundles, such as purchasing four notebooks and receiving a fifth one free.
- Create themed gift sets, offering a small discount when bought together.
- Sell mystery boxes of items at a discounted rate. I yielded to one of these last year and absolutely cherished unwrapping it and discovering its contents. It felt genuinely special. I will certainly do this again and ended up spending much more at that shop than I initially planned, benefiting both the store and myself, the customer.
- Offer a discount now as well as for future purchases to encourage repeat visits.
- Provide free delivery throughout the weekend.
- Give a free gift with every order above a certain amount.
- Enter all Black Friday weekend purchasers into a drawing for prizes.
There are numerous ways to creatively offer Black Friday deals, and I hope this list inspires you.
Perspectives on Black Friday
If you’re still thinking “there’s no way I’m participating in Black Friday,” may I suggest a slightly alternative perspective? I like to view it as rewarding your loyal customers for shopping with you. Does that make it seem less dreadful?
If you’re concerned that offering discounts could diminish your products’ value, remember you can present your offers as a reward rather than a markdown. For instance, giving a free gift or an exclusive bonus for purchases over a specific amount allows you to maintain your brand value while still taking part in the Black Friday excitement.
During the holiday season, you want to capture your customers’ spending before anyone else. What do I mean by that? Most people create a list of individuals they need to purchase gifts for, often with a set budget. Once someone is bought for at that budget, they are marked off the list, and no further spending occurs.
Black Friday is frequently the initiation of this list-checking process, meaning small businesses miss out if they’re not actively involved from the start with a creative deal and participating in the gift buying on that day.
Benefits of Black Friday
Here are several advantages for small businesses participating in Black Friday:
- Increased Sales Volume: Attract shoppers who are actively searching for deals.
- Customer Acquisition: Lure in new customers who may not have discovered you otherwise.
- Clearing Out Stock: Eliminate older or slow-moving products, freeing up space and cash flow.
- Enhancing Brand Loyalty: Provide deals that reward your existing clientele, deepening their connection to your brand.
- Early Holiday Spending: Take advantage of shoppers working through their gift lists early, assuring you’re part of their Christmas budget.
Opting Out
If Black Friday doesn’t align with your business principles, feel free to abstain; you do what’s best for you. Stay in your lane, and no judgement here.
It’s crucial to act in accordance with what you believe is right for your business—only you can determine that. But before you reflexively decide against being involved in the chaos of Black Friday, I urge you to contemplate whether there’s something you can implement that would benefit your business and your wonderfully loyal customers.
It’s a pity to shrink back just because, like me, you find Black Friday a negative event.
It’s happening, it’s substantial, so don’t permit the faceless corporations of the world to garner all the advantages from it; you should claim your share of the action.
…and At Last, I Would Love to Know
What is your opinion on Black Friday for small businesses?
Will you be participating in Black Friday this year? Has what I’ve conveyed influenced your perspective on whether to take part or refrain?
Share your plans or uncertainties—I’d love to learn how you’re navigating this challenging yet fruitful retail occasion!
Comment on my Instagram post here or email me [email protected]. I’m excited to hear your thoughts on Black Friday.
If you are participating, why not visit my Instagram feed and share your offer on my Black Friday post? I’ll promote what I can.
Barbara
All views expressed in this blog post are my own. At the time of writing, all the shops mentioned are members of my shopping directory. While I reference many shops here, you must form your own opinion on whether the shop and its products suit you. Clicking on a shop link will lead you to their website, where you are governed by their terms and conditions.
Tags: Christmas, Shop Talk **Reasons Small Businesses Should Engage in Black Friday, the Year’s Largest Shopping Day**
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, has transformed into a worldwide shopping event. Historically dominated by major retailers, this day presents considerable opportunities for small businesses to enhance sales, attract new customers, and improve brand visibility. Here’s why small businesses should contemplate engaging in Black Friday.
**1. Boosted Sales and Revenue**
Black Friday is synonymous with shopping sprees, with consumers ready to spend. By delivering appealing deals and discounts, small businesses can considerably bolster their sales volumes. This surge of revenue can furnish a financial cushion for the off-peak months and support upcoming business endeavors.
**2. Greater Brand Visibility**
Participating in Black Friday enables small businesses to enhance their visibility. With consumers actively seeking deals, small businesses can capitalize on this increased attention. By highlighting unique products or services, they can differentiate themselves and draw in new customers who may have otherwise overlooked them.
**3. Customer Acquisition and Loyalty**
Black Friday serves as an excellent platform to attract new customers. After making a purchase, small businesses can cultivate a relationship and stimulate repeat business. Providing outstanding customer service and follow-up promotions can transform a one-off buyer into a loyal customer.
**4. Competitive Advantage**
While considerable retailers dominate Black Friday, small businesses can rival them by providing personalized experiences and distinctive products. Many consumers are becoming more inclined to support local businesses and search for unique items unavailable at larger stores. By emphasizing these elements, small businesses can appeal to a niche demographic.
**5. Inventory Management**
Black Friday is an opportune moment to clear out older inventory. By offering discounts on dated products, small businesses can free up space for new items. This strategy not only aids in inventory management but also provides customers the impression they’re getting a bargain, enriching their shopping experience.
**6. Enhanced Online Presence**
With the growth of e-commerce, Black Friday is no longer exclusive to brick-and-mortar establishments. Small businesses can utilize online platforms to reach a broader market. By optimizing their websites, leveraging social media, and engaging in email marketing, they can propel online sales and expand their customer base beyond local confines.
**7. Insights and Growth Opportunities**
Participating in Black Friday furnishes small businesses with valuable insights into consumer behavior and market trends. Scrutinizing sales data and customer feedback can assist businesses in refining their strategies, upgrading product offerings, and bolstering marketing initiatives for future campaigns.
**Conclusion**
Although Black Friday poses challenges, such as heightened competition and the requirement for strategic planning, the advantages for small businesses are considerable. By partaking in this significant shopping event, small businesses can elevate sales, attract new customers, and reinforce their market presence. With thoughtful planning and implementation, Black Friday can be a crucial moment for growth and triumph in the competitive retail arena.
