Black Friday sales aren't another US fad

When the crowds rush to Black Friday sales andwhenthe “Friday” sales start on amonday, it’s easy to sigh, eye roll or grumble about consumerism and Americanisation.

But Black Friday is exactly what oureconomy needs, and it’s exactly what our local businesses need.

Anamerican tradition, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and is the biggest shopping day of the year with numerous sales.

This year has been a rough one and it has affected businesses and their livelihoods. Somebusinesses, unfortunately, did not survive Covid-19 lockdowns, andsome that didmayjust be hanging on.

They could be struggling to makeends meet and local support is exactly what they need. And those bigger businesses that are still doing okay employ local people as well.

So what betterwayis there to support businesses by getting out there on Black Friday and getting a bargain or someearly Christmas shopping in? Andremember to support local. Themarkdownsmaynot be as drastic but the business owners mayappreciate it moreand your support will go further.

These business owners are likely to go on to spend their profits locally too and the benefits go around and around.

Afriend of mine is ready to go with the Black Friday sales.

She’s already gone to stores to try things on and find her size. So whenthe sales start she can shop online from the comfort of her home.

She has a list of what she wants and a generous budget to get it. She hasn’t been shopping in awhile and has had overseas plans scuppered by Covid-19.

While Black Friday naysayers say it is simply Americanised consumerism, it’s not all bad - and whatharm does it do, as long as people spend within their means.

Newzealandcompanyallbirds has put the price of its footwear upand will be donating a portion of each sale to charity.

Take Black Friday as a chance to learn thenameof the boutique owner you pass on thewayto work, to find out a local business owner’s back story or to discover anewshop.

The day is not just about getting a good deal. It’s about choosing to support peoplewhose businesses are their livelihood and potentially finding a one-off and unique Christmas gift while you’re at it.

Not everything about consumerism is bad. So let’s find the good in Black Friday and celebrate it.