1. Online Retailers Dominate the Event
Black Friday originated in the U.S. and was driven by big online retailers like Amazon. In the UK, most consumers now associate it with online mega-deals rather than visiting shops in person. This means Putney independent businesses struggle to compete on price or reach, and footfall to high streets often drops rather than rises during the event.
2. Unsustainable Discount Expectations
Large chains and e-commerce giants can afford to slash prices; they have bigger margins, bulk buying power, and centralised logistics. Independent retailers, on the other hand, ca not match those discounts without eating into profits or even taking a loss. Customers, however, come to expect the same level of deals everywhere, putting small shops under pressure.
3. Disrupts Normal Shopping Patterns
Instead of boosting overall sales, Black Friday often just shifts spending that would have happened later in the season (especially in December). That means high streets see a sharp, temporary lull after the event when they rely on Christmas trade to carry them through the quieter months.
4. Thin Margins and Rising Costs
With energy, rent, and staffing costs all higher than ever for bricks-and-mortar businesses, deep discounting is not realistic. Participating in Black Friday can actually reduce a small shop’s ability to stay afloat over winter, especially if they’ve already stocked up expecting full-margin Christmas sales.
5. Environmental and Ethical Backlash
More consumers are recognising that Black Friday promotes overconsumption, waste, and unsustainable delivery practices. Many independent retailers are now choosing to opt out or promote alternatives like “Shop Local Saturday” or “Small Business Saturday” to encourage mindful, community-based spending. This year the Small Business Saturday team are visiting Putney on Monday 1st December and will be promoting some of our amazing unique businesses. The Tour are visiting twenty three different towns and cities over November and December, visiting small businesses, going behind the scenes and meeting the people running them, to shine a light on their invaluable contribution to local communities and the wider UK economy. The official day is Saturday 6th December this year and we encourage you to shop local and shop small on that day and everyday you can.
6. Local Economy Impact
When shoppers spend online especially with global corporations less money stays in the local economy. Every pound spent in a local shop generates more in local economic activity through wages, suppliers, and reinvestment. It is tough for businesses right now, so Black Friday is a timely reminder to spend locally when you can, if we want our much loved businesses to survive we need to support them.
Black Friday is falling on Friday 28th November this year which is the same day as our Putney Community Stage and Light Switch on. Instead of scrolling on your phone pop down to Church Square and enjoy the entertainment being provided by local schools and performance groups. Whilst in Putney why not tick off some of those presents on your list and enjoy an evening in our bars and restaurants. They will appreciate tour visit.
