Your Black Friday. Shopping festival has evolved from a purely American phenomenon into a global retail juggernaut. For decades, the day following the US Thanksgiving holiday has signaled the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season.

In recent years, however, it has transformed into a week-long, or even month-long, festival of consumerism that dominates billboards, internet pop-ups, and television screens worldwide. When asking how one should relate to this initiative whether it is “right” or “not quite” the answer is rarely black and white.

To truly understand Black Friday, one must look past the bright red “SALE” stickers and analyze the economic benefits, the psychological manipulation, the environmental cost, and the ethical implications of this retail tradition.

Your Black Friday.

Origins and the Economic Argument.

To understand the current state of Black Friday, it is helpful to understand its name. In accounting terms, being “in the red” signifies a financial loss, while being “in the black” indicates a profit.

Historically, many retailers operated at a loss for most of the year (January through October) and relied on the massive surge of holiday shopping to finally turn a profit. From a business perspective, Black Friday is not just a marketing gimmick; it is a vital period for solvency.

For the consumer, the primary appeal is obvious: affordability. In a time of global inflation and rising living costs, Black Friday offers a unique opportunity for families to purchase necessary items winter coats, electronics, household appliances at significantly reduced prices.

For lower-income households, this period can be the difference between a meager Christmas and a festive one. When viewed through this lens, the initiative is “right” because it democratizes access to goods that might otherwise be out of reach.

Furthermore, the event stimulates the economy. High consumer spending drives manufacturing, logistics, and retail employment. It keeps money circulating, which, in macroeconomic theory, is essential for a healthy financial system.

Your Black Friday, Psychology of the Sale.

A Trap for the Unwary?

However, the “not quite right” feeling many people experience regarding Black Friday stems from the aggressive psychology used by marketers. Retailers utilize potent psychological triggers to bypass rational decision-making.

1. Scarcity: “Only 2 left in stock!” or “Deal ends in 10 minutes!” These tactics create artificial urgency, forcing consumers to buy immediately rather than thinking about whether they actually need the item.

2. The Anchor Effect: Retailers often display a high “original price” next to the “sale price.” Even if the original price was inflated or never actually charged, the comparison makes the sale price look like a victory for the consumer.

3. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): The cultural buzz surrounding Black Friday creates a social pressure to participate. People often buy things simply because “everyone else is getting a deal,” leading to purchases that sit unopened in closets for years.

This is where the initiative becomes ethically murky. When a sale is designed to manipulate vulnerability rather than offer genuine value, it shifts from a service to a trap.

The Environmental Toll of Excessive Consumption.

Perhaps the most significant argument against the modern iteration of Black Friday is its environmental impact. We live in an era where climate change and sustainability are pressing concerns, yet Black Friday encourages hyper-consumerism.

• Fast Fashion and Waste: Apparel retailers are notorious for pushing “fast fashion” cheap, trendy clothing produced rapidly. Much of this is bought on impulse during sales and discarded quickly, contributing to the millions of tons of textile waste that end up in landfills annually.

• Carbon Footprint: The surge in online shopping (often called “Cyber Week”) results in a massive spike in shipping. Millions of individual packages are flown and driven around the world, significantly increasing carbon emissions.

• The Problem of Returns: A little-known fact about online shopping is that many returned items are not restocked. It is often cheaper for companies to throw away returned goods than to inspect and repackage them. Therefore, impulsive Black Friday purchases that are returned often go straight to the garbage.

From an environmental standpoint, Black Friday is difficult to justify. It promotes a “throwaway culture” that is unsustainable for the planet.

The Illusion of the Discount.

Another reason to be skeptical is the question of truth in advertising. Consumer watchdogs have frequently found that many Black Friday deals are not as good as they seem.

Some retailers practice “price creeping,” where they slowly raise the prices of items in October and early November, only to drop them back to the standard price on Black Friday while labeling it a “huge discount.” Additionally, manufacturers of electronics often produce specific “Black Friday derivatives.”

These are TVs or laptops that look like high-end models but are built with cheaper components specifically for sale events. The consumer thinks they are getting a premium product at a steal, but they are actually buying a lower-quality item designed to meet a lower price point.

The Ethical Dilemma.

Values vs. Value.

There is also a philosophical dissonance associated with Black Friday. In the United States, the shopping frenzy begins hours after Thanksgiving a holiday dedicated to gratitude and being thankful for what one already has. To immediately pivot from gratitude to greed feels jarring to many observers.

Furthermore, there is the human cost. To accommodate extended shopping hours, retail employees are often forced to work long shifts, sometimes starting on Thanksgiving evening itself, sacrificing time with their own families.

In extreme cases, the physical rush of crowds has led to violence and injuries in stores, painting a bleak picture of human nature under the influence of consumerism.

How to Relate.

The “Conscious Consumer” Approach.

So, is Black Friday right or wrong? It is a tool, and like any tool, its morality depends on how it is used. It is neither inherently evil nor purely benevolent.

To relate to this initiative in a healthy way, one should adopt the mindset of a Conscious Consumer. Here is how to navigate the season with integrity:

Plan, Don’t React.

If you have a list of items you truly need (e.g., a replacement washing machine or a specific gift), waiting for Black Friday to buy them is smart financial management. This is using the system to your advantage.

Ignore the Hype.

If you didn’t want the item in October, you don’t need it in November just because it is 30% off. A bargain is not a bargain if you never use it.

Support Small Businesses.

In response to Black Friday, a movement called “Small Business Saturday” has emerged. Instead of giving all your money to massive corporate giants, consider using this time to buy from local artisans or independent shops. This keeps money in your local community.

Look for “Green” Alternatives.

Some companies now participate in “Green Friday,” where they encourage repairing old items instead of buying new ones, or they donate a percentage of sales to environmental charities.

Participate in “Buy Nothing Day”.

As a protest, some people choose to buy absolutely nothing on Black Friday. They spend the day in nature or with family, proving that happiness is not improved by swiping a credit card.

Conclusion in Shopping festival.

Ultimately, Black Friday is a reflection of our society’s relationship with material goods. It highlights our desire for comfort and novelty, but also our tendency toward excess and waste.

It is perfectly acceptable to participate in Black Friday if you do so with eyes wide open. If you use the sales to help your family budget while remaining mindful of what you buy, you are engaging with the initiative correctly.

However, if you find yourself buying things solely for the dopamine rush of a discount, or if you feel pressured by advertisements to spend money you do not have, then the initiative has become a negative force.

I have created the “Smart Shopping Strategies” checklist for you.

• Define a strict budget
• Create a “Needs” vs “Wants” list
• Research price history to spot fake deals
• Compare prices across multiple retailers
• Check return and exchange policies
• Use cashback apps and search for coupons
• Wait 24 hours before impulse buying
• Read product reviews carefully
• Support small businesses

The “right” way to relate to Black Friday is to remain the master of your wallet and your values. Do not let the bright lights and urgent countdown clocks dictate your worth or your happiness.

Shopping can be a necessity and a pleasure, but it should never come at the cost of your financial health or your ethical standards.

Have a Great Day in Shopping!