October 31st, 2025
Is Black Friday Beneficial for Small Enterprises? Black Friday 2025 falls on 28th November. Prepare to capitalize on the largest shopping day of the year.
As a small enterprise, should you engage in Black Friday? Personally, I would say “without a doubt, you should.”
Don’t misunderstand me, I have a strong aversion to Black Friday. I believe it is a dismal concept for many reasons.
I think it frequently promotes excessive consumption and diminishes the value of quality goods, and small enterprises often struggle to compete with massive discounts since they are already finding it hard to earn reasonable profits.
Every year, the so-called bargains seem to become more about major corporate retailers unloading their subpar inventory or offering unrealistic deals, or at least that’s how it seems to me.
It’s no longer limited to just one day; many retailers and marketplaces begin advertising Black Friday deals a month (or in some cases, even two months) in advance of the actual date. For 2025, Black Friday is on 28th November.
That said, it is, unfortunately, here to remain. It is an enormous retail sales day, so it’s unfortunate for small businesses not to embrace it and thus secure their slice of the sales revenue pie.
As with all sales and special promotions, small businesses typically offer genuine deals. They excel at providing them more effectively than the big players, and I believe they give their customers a more notable special offer.
How Small Businesses Can Navigate Black Friday
The key is making Black Friday work for you and benefiting your customers. You could offer a flat percentage discount across the board if that suits your business model. Alternatively, you could be more inventive, providing greater advantages from discounts while also delivering a fantastic deal to your beloved customers.
One of the greatest advantages of being a small business is your adaptability and creativity. Unlike large retailers, you can add a personal, thoughtful touch to your Black Friday promotions.
Whether it’s a beautifully packaged mystery box, a themed gift bundle, or a sincere thank-you note with a future discount included in every order, these small touches differentiate your offers and keep customers returning well beyond Black Friday.
Innovative Black Friday Concepts for Small Enterprises.
Here are some suggestions:
- Utilize it to clear out slow-moving stock; this way, not only will the customer purchase the discounted item, but they will likely add additional items to their cart whilst there.
- Upsell through product bundles, for instance, buy 4 notebooks and get the 5th free.
- Create themed gift sets that, when purchased together, come at a slight discount.
- Offer mystery boxes of products at a reduced price. I fell for one of these last year and thoroughly enjoyed unveiling its contents. It felt extra special. I will definitely repeat this, and I ended up spending more at that shop than originally intended. A win-win for both the shop and me, the customer.
- Provide an immediate discount but also a future one to encourage repeat visits.
- Offer free delivery for the entire weekend.
- Include a free gift for every order above a specific amount.
- Enter everyone who shops over Black Friday weekend into a draw for prizes.
There are numerous ways to creatively present Black Friday deals, and I hope this list has sparked some ideas for you.
Perspectives on Black Friday
If you’re still contemplating “there’s no way I’ll partake in Black Friday,” may I suggest a slightly alternative viewpoint? I prefer to view it as rewarding your loyal customers for choosing to shop with you. Does that make it seem less dreadful?
If you’re concerned that offering discounts could devalue your products, keep in mind that you can frame your promotions as a reward rather than a price reduction. For instance, providing a complimentary gift or an exclusive bonus for purchases exceeding a certain amount helps maintain your brand integrity while still joining in on the Black Friday frenzy.
During the holiday season, you want to capture your customers’ spending before anyone else. What do I mean by this? Most individuals have a list of people they’re buying for and usually a set budget. Once they’ve purchased for someone within that limit, they are checked off the list, and no further spending occurs.
Black Friday often initiates this list-checking process, so small enterprises miss opportunities if they’re not involved from the outset with an inventive deal and participating in the gift-buying frenzy on that day.
Advantages of Black Friday
Here are several advantages of small businesses engaging in Black Friday:
- Boosted Sales Volume: Attract the attention of shoppers actively searching for bargains.
- Customer Acquisition: Draw in new customers who may not have discovered your business otherwise.
- Inventory Clearance: Sell off older or slow-moving items, creating space and improving cash flow.
- Enhancing Brand Loyalty: Provide deals that reward your existing customers, reinforcing their connection to your brand.
- Advancing Early Christmas Purchases: Make the most of shoppers compiling their gift lists early, ensuring you’re included in their Christmas spending.
Option to Opt-Out
If Black Friday doesn’t align with your business values, it’s perfectly acceptable to opt out; you do you. Stay true to your own path, without judgment.
It’s crucial to do what feels right for your business, as only you can determine that. But before hastily deciding to refuse involvement in the madness of Black Friday, I urge you to consider if there’s something you can do that would benefit both your business and your incredibly loyal customers.
It’s unfortunate to step back immediately just because, like me, you consider Black Friday to be a negative phenomenon.
It is occurring, it is significant, so don’t let the faceless corporations monopolize all the advantages; claim your share of the action.
…and Lastly, I Would Love to Hear Your Thoughts
What are your views on Black Friday for small businesses?
Will you be participating in Black Friday this year? Has my perspective provided you with a fresh outlook on whether to engage or not?
Share your strategies or reservations—I’m eager to learn how you’re navigating this challenging yet rewarding retail occasion!
Comment on my Instagram post here or email me [email protected]. I would love to hear your thoughts about Black Friday.
If you are participating, why not visit my Instagram feed and share your offer on my Black Friday post; I’ll promote it as much as I can.
Barbara
All views expressed in this blog post are mine. At the time of writing, all mentioned shops are part of my shopping directory. While I mention various shops here, you should form your own opinion about whether their products and services suit you. Clicking on a shop link will redirect you to their website, where their terms and conditions apply.
Tags: Christmas, Shop Talk **Why Small Businesses Should Get Involved in Black Friday, the Largest Shopping Day of the Year**
Black Friday, historically the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S., has transformed into a worldwide shopping spectacle. It signifies the unofficial commencement of the holiday shopping season, marked by substantial discounts and promotions. Although it’s commonly linked to large retailers, small businesses can also gain significant advantages by participating in Black Friday. Here are several reasons why small enterprises should contemplate joining this retail occasion:
1. **Enhanced Visibility and Customer Flow:**
Black Friday draws a considerable influx of shoppers, both online and offline. For small enterprises, engaging in this event can greatly enhance visibility. By presenting competitive offers, small businesses can attract customers who may not have otherwise visited, thus increasing foot traffic and brand awareness.
2. **Sales Surge:**
The primary attraction of Black Friday is the opportunity for increased sales. Shoppers actively seek deals, allowing small businesses to benefit by extending discounts or special promotions. This can result in a significant revenue surge, aiding in achieving or surpassing annual sales objectives.
3. **New Customer Acquisition:**
Black Friday offers a chance for small businesses to acquire new customers. By delivering a positive shopping experience and outstanding customer service, small businesses can change first-time visitors into repeat customers. This can be especially advantageous for long-term growth and client retention.
4. **Clearing Inventory:**
Participating in Black Friday enables small businesses to eliminate outdated or surplus inventory. By providing discounts on older items, businesses can create space for new products, lowering storage expenses and reducing waste. This becomes particularly crucial before the conclusion of the fiscal year.
5. **Competitive Advantage:**
In a landscape dominated by large retailers, small businesses can stand apart by offering distinctive products, personalized services, or exclusive offers. By taking part in Black Friday, small businesses can highlight what distinguishes them from larger competitors, luring customers seeking unique options.
6. **Digital Presence Improvement:**
With the rise of online shopping, Black Friday transcends brick-and-mortar establishments. Small businesses can bolster their online presence by engaging in digital sales events. This can lead to increased web traffic, heightened search engine visibility, and enhanced brand awareness in the online domain.
7. **Community Connection:**
Small enterprises often hold a crucial role within their local areas. By participating in Black Friday, they can engage with their communities, cultivating loyalty and support. Organizing special events or collaborating with fellow local businesses can further fortify community connections.
8. **Insights into Market Trends:**
Black Friday delivers valuable insights into consumer habits and market trends. Small businesses can evaluate sales data to identify which products resonate most, informing future inventory and marketing tactics. This analytical approach can lead to more successful business choices.
In summary, Black Friday provides small businesses with a unique chance to increase sales, attract new clientele, and enhance their market presence. By strategically engaging in this shopping event, small enterprises can sharpen their bottom line while also establishing a foundation for ongoing growth and prosperity.
