Black Friday: From Chaos to Consumerism, The Real Costs Behind the Shopping Frenzy (incl. new Podcast)

How a day once defined by chaos has evolved into a global retail powerhouse, with deeper economic, social, and environmental impacts than many realize.

(Image Source: Illustrazione: TrasportoEuropa - 27/11/2024)

DigitPM-01122024. - At PoM – Peace of Mind... Happy Life! (and Maverick's Cove / Digit PaxMentis), we stand for more than just eco-friendly slow fashion and positivity. That’s why we say “no” to the frenzy of Black Friday.
   Instead of rushing into the pressure of holiday sales and scarcity-driven shopping, we invite you to pause and reflect. In these often stressful holiday times, we encourage moments of self-awareness, compassion, and self-care—not just for yourself but also for the community around you.
   Join us in celebrating the season with kindness and mindfulness, embracing a slower, more meaningful way to give and connect.

PoM's new Podcast: "Black Friday: From Chaos to Consumerism"

(Subtitle: The Real Costs Behind the Shopping Frenzy)

 Tired of the constant bombardment of "limited-time" offers and the stress of trying to grab the best deal before it's gone? You're not alone—and it's time for a change. In this new PoM podcast episode No. 13, we dive deep into the psychology behind Black Friday, the environmental costs of overconsumption, and the rise of Green Friday as a more sustainable alternative.   
   Beside its cultural‬‭ impact on a global scale our hosts Robert & Joana unfold the ‭psychology and real costs behind the global shopping frenzy, and do not miss some smart & ‭sustainable shopping tips.‬

🎧 Tune in (click on the player banner) to listen now or chose from our global podcast network your favorite podcast platform (e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts, or Substack and more) !

Produced and Delivered by Digit PaxMentis

Listen to our new Podcast @ Youtube

!! premiere date: 27th November 2024 - 12:00 pm CET (Central European Time) !!

Transcript Release on 27th November 2024 (podcast production on 25th Nov 2024):
- podcast length: 24 min 56 sec.
- transcript: 17 pages, PDF Format plus the list with all references / sources (book titles, articles, science news, video links etc. ...)

As always, our podcasts are available on-demand, with Karaoke-style subtitles for accessibility, and full transcripts can be downloaded at our archive ... https://www.pomshop.nl/transcripts

Part 1: The Origins and Cultural Impact of Black Friday

The Rise of Black Friday: Black Friday has evolved from a simple day of discounted deals into a global phenomenon that plays a central role in the consumer culture of many countries. Originally emerging in the United States, it now influences retail markets worldwide, creating both excitement and anxiety among shoppers. The event, which marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season, is often associated with frenzied sales and long lines outside stores.

Economic Boost or Overconsumption? While retailers boast about the sales surge, with Black Friday contributing significantly to annual profits, critics argue that the event promotes unsustainable consumption. Critics highlight the environmental impact of producing and shipping vast quantities of discounted goods, often leading to waste and over-consumption. This conflict between economic benefits and sustainability challenges has sparked debates about whether Black Friday is truly beneficial in the long term.

The Cultural Phenomenon of Black Friday: Over time, Black Friday has become ingrained in popular culture. It has spread beyond the U.S., with countries across Europe and Asia now participating in the event. However, despite its popularity, there is growing skepticism around the ethics of mass consumption and the psychological manipulation often associated with Black Friday shopping. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact their purchases have on the environment and society, leading some to question whether Black Friday is really worth it.

Part 2: Exploring Green Friday and Ethical Alternatives

Green Friday Gains Momentum in Europe: An exciting alternative to the over-commercialization of Black Friday is Green Friday, which is steadily gaining momentum, particularly in Europe. Green Friday encourages ethical consumption and supports businesses that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. For example, a group of French merchants have completely boycotted Black Friday, choosing instead to promote sustainable alternatives, a bold move that highlights the growing awareness of environmental issues.

Business as Usual: The Eco-Friendly Revolution: Another great example is Earthsong, a jewelry company that has built its entire business model around sustainability. They focus on using recycled materials and reducing their environmental footprint, proving that profit and sustainability can coexist. This shift in business practices shows that sustainability isn't just a trend; it's becoming a smart business decision as more consumers demand ethically produced goods.

The Mindful Shift from Consumption to Conscious Choices: Green Friday isn’t just about rejecting Black Friday; it’s about offering an alternative that focuses on mindful consumerism. Instead of promoting mindless consumption, Green Friday shifts the narrative to one of conscious, intentional purchases. It encourages individuals to think about the broader impact of their choices, both for their personal well-being and for the planet. Consumers are seeking out brands that align with their values, reinforcing the idea that mindful choices can lead to better outcomes for both people and the environment.

Part 3: Understanding the Psychology Behind Black Friday Shopping

The FOMO Effect: Black Friday taps into the psychological phenomenon of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), creating a sense of urgency that compels consumers to act quickly or risk losing out on incredible deals. This manipulation often leads to impulsive purchases—buying items that weren’t even on the shopper’s radar before the sale. Retailers masterfully play on this fear, using time-limited offers and countdowns to push consumers into a buying frenzy.

Retailers' Tactics: Scarcity and Urgency: One of the key tactics retailers use during Black Friday is creating an artificial sense of scarcity. By making products appear limited in quantity or time-sensitive, they encourage consumers to make quick, often regrettable, decisions. This sense of urgency leads people to purchase things they don’t need, simply because they’re worried that they won’t be able to get the deal again.

The Psychology of Happiness and Consumption: At the heart of Black Friday’s psychological power is the idea that our happiness is tied to the acquisition of material goods. Retailers suggest that buying the right product will enhance our well-being, leading shoppers to believe that their emotional needs can be met through consumption. This Pavlovian response is a driving force behind the overwhelming desire to purchase during Black Friday sales.

Ethical Dilemmas and Consumer Guilt: While many consumers enjoy the thrill of finding great deals, there’s also an underlying sense of guilt. For some, the desire to save money clashes with the ethical concerns around over-consumption, environmental impact, and labor exploitation. A Reddit thread revealed that many shoppers feel conflicted about Black Friday sales, grappling with the tension between financial benefits and ethical concerns. This internal struggle highlights the complexity of consumer choices during these massive sales events.

Alternatives to Mindless Consumption: Despite the ethical dilemmas, some people are choosing to approach Black Friday in a more thoughtful way. By making lists of necessary items before browsing the sales, shoppers can avoid impulse buys. Additionally, supporting ethical companies that align with one’s values is becoming more common, as consumers look to ensure their purchases contribute to a positive impact. Ultimately, it’s about making informed decisions that align with personal values and the greater good.

Conclusions: Global Shopping Frenzy … A Mixed Economic Picture

In this article, we explored Black Friday’s origins, its impact on the global economy, the rise of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) systems, and the ethical and environmental concerns associated with the event. While Black Friday continues to be a retail powerhouse, its negative effects on sustainability and consumer culture have led many to seek alternatives like Green Friday. This movement promotes conscious consumption and aligns with a growing desire for businesses to act more responsibly.

The psychology behind Black Friday shopping reveals how deeply marketing strategies tap into consumer behavior, creating a sense of urgency and FOMO that leads to impulsive purchases. While some feel conflicted by their participation in Black Friday, others have found ways to navigate the sales responsibly, such as by purchasing items that are durable and support their personal creativity.

Ultimately, Black Friday offers a lens through which we can examine our consumer culture, its environmental impact, and its influence on our sense of happiness. While the event is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, the rise of alternatives like Green Friday and a growing focus on mindful consumerism may lead to a more sustainable and intentional approach to holiday shopping in the future.

Resources / Reference List ...

All our publishing (blog articles, News, Podcasts etc. ...) is based on curated content. Following A-Z list gives you the reference to the content of this article. 

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2. 7 tips for Christians to shop responsibly on Black Friday, Hack Spirit, Unknown Author, 2024, https://www.biblescripture.net/7-tips-for-christians-to-shop-responsibly-on-black-friday/ 
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19. French Merchants Boycotting Black Friday - Here is why!, Black Friday Boycott in France: Understanding Green Friday and Sustainable Shopping, Dilyana Simeonova, 2024, https://www.consentmo.com/blog/french-merchants-boycotting-black-friday/ 
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23. Is Black Friday Bad For The Environment?, Environmentally friendly waste collection and disposal services at an affordable fixed monthly price., Unknown Author, Unknown Year, https://www.wastemanaged.co.uk/blog/is-black-friday-bad-for-the-environment/ 
24. Most consumers don’t trust Black Friday deals - Money Sense Financial Services, Most consumers don’t trust Black Friday deals, Unknown Author, Unknown Year, https://www.moneysense.ie/most-consumers-dont-trust-black-friday-deals/ 
25. New Study Reveals States with Highest Consumer Debt as Holiday Spending Surges, New Study Reveals States with Highest Consumer Debt as Holiday Spending Surges, Unknown Author, 2024, https://d-mars.com/new-study-reveals-states-with-highest-consumer-debt-as-holiday-spending-surges/ 
26. Overconsumption and the True Environmental Impact of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Overconsumption and the True Environmental Impact of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Naman Bajaj, 2023, https://www.commons.is/blog/overconsumption-and-the-true-environmental-impact-of-black-friday-and-cyber-monday 
27. Should Black Friday Be Stopped? Here's What Environmental Experts Think, Should Black Friday Be Stopped? Here's What Environmental Experts Think, Unknown Author, 2024, https://www.bustle.com/uk/life/should-black-friday-be-stopped-heres-what-environmental-experts-think-9718982 
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29. The Dangers of Black Friday Shopping - Trantolo Law, The Dangers of Black Friday Shopping, Unknown Author, Unknown Year, https://www.trantololaw.com/the-dangers-of-black-friday-shopping/ 
30. The Environmental Effects of Black Friday | Techbuyer, The Environmental Effects of Black Friday, Unknown Author, Unknown Year, https://www.techbuyer.com/blog/the-environmental-effects-of-black-friday/ 
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32. The Environmental Impact of Black Friday, The Environmental Impact of Black Friday, Unknown Author, Unknown Year, https://earthplex.blog/2021/10/the-environmental-impact-of-black-friday/ 
33. The Environmental Impact of Sunglasses & How SmartBuyGlasses’ Black Friday Deals Contribute to Sustainable Shopping | Mountain West Wire, The Environmental Impact of Sunglasses & How SmartBuyGlasses’ Black Friday Deals Contribute to Sustainable Shopping, Unknown Author, Unknown Year, https://www.mountainwestwire.com/the-environmental-impact-of-sunglasses-how-smartbuyglassess-black-friday-deals-contribute-to-sustainable-shopping/ 
34. The Harm of Black Friday Shopping – Planet Protein, Inc., The Harm of Black Friday Shopping, Unknown Author, 2024, https://planetprotein.com/blogs/lifestyle/the-harm-of-black-friday-shopping 
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38. Why Big Fashion's Black Friday Is Harming Us All - Atmos, Why Big Fashion's Black Friday Is Harming Us All, Unknown Author, Unknown Year, https://atmos.earth/why-big-fashions-black-friday-is-harming-us-all/ 
39. Why Black Friday Is Bad, Why Black Friday Is Bad, Unknown Author, Unknown Year, https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/why-black-friday-is-bad 
40. Why Black Friday Is Bad: Uncovering the Downsides of Holiday Shopping — Sustainable Review, Why Black Friday Is Bad: Uncovering the Downsides of Holiday Shopping, Radhika Goyal, 2023, https://sustainablereview.com/blog/why-black-friday-is-bad/ 
41. Why Black Friday could be bad for the environment? | Aspioneer, Why Black Friday could be bad for the environment?, Unknown Author, 2024, https://aspioneer.com/why-black-friday-could-be-bad-for-the-environment/ 
42. Verification: Always verify information, especially from sources like Wikipedia.
43. Context: Some sources are broad. Focus on sections relevant to Resilience.
44. Full Text: Excerpts were provided. Accessing full texts is recommended for complete understanding.

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