People Tree offers alternative to Black Friday: 'Just Friday'

Sustainable clothing retailer People Tree has joined forces with fair trade retailers Divine and Traidcraft to offer an alternative to the shopping bonanza known as Black Friday, namely 'Just Friday.'

'Just Friday' is an initiative designed encourage consumers to take the shopping discount day more lightly and to think about their purchases whilst using their spending power in a more mindful way, such as helping others across the globe. "Imagine if just 1 percent of the 1 billion pounds that retail analysts predict will be spent on Black Friday was spent with ethical, Fair Trade organisations like Traidcraft and People Tree?," said Larry Bush, Marketing Director at Traidcraft's.

"Even this small percentage could help us improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across the developing world and make a huge difference to someone’s life – and you’ll be buying a beautifully handmade, unique gift for family and friends. So on Black Friday, one of the most chaotic days on the shopping calendar, we’re offering an alternative with Just Friday and asking people to take a few moments and think about their buying choices."

According to Traidcraft 54 percent of Brits surveyed experience negative emotions whilst holiday shopping in the run up to Christmas, with many claiming to feel stressed, anxious or argumentative. 'Just Friday' aims to offer UK consumers the chance to view the holiday shopping kick-off day in another light.

"Mindless consumption that makes Christmas shoppers feel uncomfortable, especially at the cost of workers and the planet, has to stop," added Safia Minney MBE, Founder & CEO of People Tree. "We can create change, a different way of doing business and buy Fair Trade, ethically and sustainably this Just Friday."

Image credit: People Tree Facebook