A number of Irish stores are boycotting this year's Black Friday event.
The once-a-year shopping frenzy sees thousands of customers queueing outside stores and bagging major bargains online. However, shoppers have been urged to shun big brand discounts and spend their money locally this Friday.
Champion Green founder, Marian O’Gorman, said: "If we want our local stores and businesses to reopen their doors in January, now is the time to stay loyal." Ireland’s support local campaigners are asking that people support local industry and jobs, and keep money circulating locally, for the sake of healthy vibrant sustainable communities.
Read more: Black Friday warning - question you should ask yourself before spending online
A number of Irish-owned businesses have also turned their backs on the worldwide shopping event. Clothing brand Audrey Hamilton Apparel said it didn't want to "pressure" customers into bulk buying items on the day.
A spokesperson said on Instagram: "To all our amazing customers and followers, we wanted to announce our stance on Black Friday to avoid disappointment this weekend. [...] As you know AHA is a slow fashion brand with limited runs on high-quality garments that are one-off statement pieces for your wardrobe.
"We do not participate in our customers feeling pressured to bulk buy many items on a single day of the year, as we feel this only encourages fast fashion and that is so very far from our brand ethos."
The founders of Beo Wellness also said they won't be participating in Black Friday this week as it's "not in the spirit of supporting small business". Instead, the brand will be donating 10% of the sales made this Friday to homeless support charity, The Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Owners Aoibhin and Sharon said: "It just feels like the right way to celebrate the spirit of giving this season. Instead of focusing on giving out customers short-term discounts, we want to help them make a long-term impact by giving a percentage of the money that they spend at Beo to a worthy cause."
Additionally, Small Changes Wholefoods Store in Drumcondra said it will continue its annual tradition of boycotting Black Friday. A spokesperson said on Facebook: "We'd urge you to do the same, in particular, boycotting arch tax avoider Amazon and instead supporting local. We know it's difficult right now with Christmas looming but in current times not supporting local could mean the end of local - quite literally."
They also shared a list of their favourite local shops, creatives, cafés, and restaurants. "Remember that unlike Amazon and Jeff Bezos these small businesses pay their taxes, pay their staff a fair wage, and continuously support and platform local artisans and producers which is much more sustainable than slashing prices for sales."
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