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Survey finds people are
'put
off shopping' because of Black Friday promotions
FAIR trade pioneer Traidcraft is
calling on people to take a step back from the Black Friday frenzy as a recent
survey found ? of people in the North West (51%) are put off shopping because
of it.
After ?2bn was spent on Black Friday 2015, retailers are gearing up for the
biggest shopping day of the year, with discounts launching earlier than ever.
Yet instead of getting caught up in the chaos, Traidcraft's 'Just Friday'
initiative is offering an alternative for shoppers around the UK.
The independent survey commissioned by the organisation also found that 38% of
respondents would like to see Black Friday stopped altogether. Meanwhile, 46% of
people surveyed are also unlikely to be buying online this Cyber Monday, the
event which follows Black Friday, although 6% will be keeping an eye on deals
during the working day.
Now in its 3rd year, 'Just Friday' calls on people to take a moment to
stop, breathe and buy their gifts mindfully and ethically. By buying from
ethical organisations, consumers shopping on Black Friday can use their spending
power to help people in developing countries.
Traidcraft's Marketing Director, Larry Bush, commented:-
"After the
success of previous years, we're running our Just Friday initiative again to
encourage people to take a step back from the chaos of Black Friday and put a
bit more thought and enjoyment back into the shopping experience.
Last year we saw over 1 million people engage with our Just Friday campaign and
we also recorded our best ever weekend for online sales of ethical gifts and
products which goes to show that there's growing support for a positive
alternative to the mindless shopping frenzy of Black Friday.
With recent reports suggesting Black Friday may not even provide the cheapest
deals, it's no surprise that a significant proportion of people are put off
shopping on that day. Even if just a tiny proportion of the ?2bn spent last
year, was spent with ethical, fair trade organisations, we could make a huge
difference to people's lives around the world.
We hope this year, we'll help even more people overcome some of the stress and
negative emotions associated with shopping and think about buying more
meaningful gifts for their loved ones."
Traidcraft's Just Friday is also being backed by ethical retailer People Tree.
Bruce Steinberg, Managing Director of People Tree, said:- "Retailers such as
People Tree and Traidcraft are constantly proving that brands can produce with
respect for people and the planet. Thoughtless consumption is negatively
affecting people on both ends; shoppers as well as artisans, producers and
farmers. By shopping mindfully and spending with ethical and sustainable brands
this Just Friday, we can empower, bring environmental and social change and step
by step transform the economy."
'Just Friday' is part of Traidcraft's Show You Care campaign, which is
running up until Christmas and encourages consumers to shop with thought and
love, enabling the organisation to continue its life changing and pioneering
work in developing countries.
Do you think Black Friday should be banned
from the UK? Email your views on this controversial sales import from the
USA and it's impact on UK Retail.
News24@SouthportReporter.com
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