Black Friday counter-activism for a more sustainable approach to consumption: On November 24, Freitag invites shoppers to borrow a bag for free for two weeks

17 November 2023

Black Friday counter-activism for a more sustainable approach to consumption: On November 24, Freitag invites shoppers to borrow a bag for free for two weeks

Black Friday was adopted by the Austrians a few years ago, and almost simultaneously, people have been developing strategies on how to avoid throwing money away and wasting resources just because the conditions may be great on that day. Next week, on November 24th, the race for bargains will take place again and it's very likely that people will use some tricks to get the most out of Black Friday, such as making a list of planned purchases or setting a budget. Black Friday is just one of a series of days throughout the year with special conditions. The next one is Cyber Monday on November 27. So, there is no need to rush if there is any doubt about the fit of shoes or the practicality of a bag.

Freitag, the Zurich-based bag manufacturer with stores all over the world, is taking a bold stand against mindless Black Friday discounts by closing both their online and physical stores' checkouts for 24 hours. On Black Friday, they won't sell any bags, but instead, customers can borrow one for free from any Freitag store, emphasizing the company's commitment to a sustainable economy and rejecting mass consumption. This move aligns with Freitag's philosophy of thinking and acting in cycles. In the press release, the company states that it has joined forces with like-minded brands to advocate for more conscious consumption on Black Friday, promoting initiatives such as borrowing instead of buying. Other participating brands include MUD Jeans, R�BURN, flamingos life, and Brompton, each contributing unique actions to discourage frenzied consumerism and encourage fair and sustainable business practices. Details about the activities of the mentioned companies are published at https://media.freitag.ch/en/media/blackfriday.

Image: The picture shows a Freitag store with the posters of the company's Black Friday 2023 campaign with slogans like 'Don't Buy. Just Borrow.'. Photo: © Freitag.