5 Reasons We Should Resist Black Friday

Every year, Black Friday arrives with a frenzy of flashing deals, countdown timers, and the pressure to buy something, anything before the clock runs out. But beneath the buzz lies a set of consequences we often overlook. Here are five reasons why opting out of Black Friday might be one of the best decisions you make this season.

1. It Hurts Small Businesses

While big retailers slash their prices to draw crowds, small businesses simply can’t compete. Their margins are tighter, their operations more personal, and their communities more local. When shoppers pour their money into mega-stores during Black Friday, small businesses lose out during one of the most crucial shopping periods of the year.

2. It Fuels Overconsumption 

Black Friday is designed to make us feel like we’re missing out if we don’t buy something. The result? Many people end up purchasing items they don’t need or even really want just because the deal looks “too good to pass up.” This leads to clutter, waste, and money spent on things that provide little lasting value.

3. It Has a Heavy Environmental Cost 

More production, more shipping, more packaging. Black Friday drives all of these upward. The environmental footprint grows with every impulse purchase and overnight delivery. Many items will end up unused, discarded, or replaced in a matter of months. The planet pays the price for our bargain hunting.

4. It Encourages Disposable Mindsets

When products are cheap and replaceable, we start thinking of them as temporary. Black Friday reinforces a throwaway culture that devalues repair, reuse, and thoughtful consumption. Instead of buying something that lasts, we get used to buying something for now.

5. It Creates Stress Instead of Joy

Black Friday is marketed as exciting but for many people it’s overwhelming: the crowds, the pressure, the constant “Buy now!” “Limited time Only!” messaging. Stepping back allows you to focus on what really matters this time of year connection, reflection, and mindful giving, rather than racing after the next discount.

Resisting Black Friday doesn’t mean resisting joy, generosity, or celebration. It simply means choosing purchases that align with your values rather than marketing pressure. And that’s something worth holding onto.