Black Friday, much has already been said and written about it. In my opinion, this American monstrosity has no place in Europe. I urge everyone not to buy anything. Let me explain why.

1. It’s full of fake deals

A quick survey of well-known online stores reveals that almost all 'deals' are secretly not that cheap at all. Research by the Dutch Consumer Association shows that more than 80% of the offers during Black Friday do not provide real discounts because prices are increased shortly beforehand. These manipulative practices often make consumers think they are getting a bargain when they actually are not. For those who want to know more about this, the Netflix series The Shopping Conspiracy is highly recommended.

2. It lasts far too long

Originally, Black Friday — as the name suggests — was one day. Nowadays, some online stores start their campaigns three weeks (!) in advance. As a consumer, your inbox overflows with deals, each one supposedly better than the last. Not only do consumers feel overwhelmed, but customer service teams and delivery services are also heavily strained, leading to poor service and stressful working conditions.

3. It’s much more fun to give something for Christmas

Black Friday is mainly about buying things for yourself. But let’s be honest: buying something for someone else during the holiday season is so much more enjoyable! Think about the smile of a child unwrapping a carefully chosen Christmas gift. That moment is priceless and far more meaningful than simply buying something for yourself.

4. Consuming less and repairing is much more enjoyable

If you really need something, there’s nothing wrong with buying it during Black Friday. But be honest: what do you truly need? Instead of giving in to unchecked shopping frenzy, it’s much smarter to take a critical look at what you already have. For instance, try swapping clothes with friends or look for tutorials to repair your old belongings. It’s cheaper, more sustainable, and often much more fun!

5. The impact on people and the environment is enormous

Black Friday promotes mass consumption, leading to a massive amount of packaging waste and increased emissions from the production and shipping of all those products. Did you know that during Black Friday, global CO2 emissions from shipping increase by 30%? This is due to the high demand for fast delivery and additional transportation movements. Moreover, many workers in distribution centers and stores work under extreme pressure to meet the demand.

By boycotting Black Friday, you make a conscious choice for sustainability, peace, and genuine attention to what truly matters. Will you join?