Why I’m Not Offering Black Friday Discounts on my handwoven scarves and snoods - but I do have an alternative

Every year during November I feel the pressure of taking part in Black Friday discounting. Of course, this isn't just on the day itself but stretches through most of November and a few days beyond. My inbox has had many messages offering me bargains with flash sales and unmissable deals.

I recognise that for some businesses this makes sense, but as a very small independent weaver (making one off handwoven scarves, snoods and other accessories) I create work slowly, thoughtfully, and by hand. Because of this Black Friday discounting is simply not the right fit for me. In this blog I explain why I will not be taking part and what I propose as my alternative.

Handweaver Emma Baker

The prices of my handwoven scarves and snoods are carefully considered

Weaving is very slow and my prices aim to reflect the true work involved. At events I am often asked how long it takes to weave a scarf. This is such a popular question that I have written a blog on this which you can read here: How long does it take to weave a scarf?

When I set the price of a piece, I do so deliberately. The aim is for my prices to recognise the time, design, skill, labour and materials that go into creating it - from the design stage right through to the finishing touches. Most importantly for me my pricing also reflects what actually works for my business to remain sustainable: it allows me to cover my costs, maintain my equipment, and earn a fair income from the work that I do without overcharging.

Emma Baker winding warp threads onto the loom

Discounting my handwoven scarves and snoods on Black Friday would undermine the balance I have worked hard to create

Because my prices are already thoughtful and realistic, there isn’t a wide margin built in for large markdowns. Black Friday discounts would mean reducing my work below its true value, or leaving my business without the income it needs to function. I only rarely have items on sale and when this happens it is only on the occasional item which I feel needs to be sold to make way for new products. My way of working is not to inflate prices for the sake of later reductions.

Instead of Black Friday discounts, I am offering a small and thoughtful gift with each purchase of a handwoven scarf, snood or other accessory

At this time of year people look to buy one of my handwoven scarves or snoods either because it has turned cold or alternatively because they are looking for a gift for a loved one.

Luxury handwoven scarf - a perfect Christmas gift

Even though I am not discounting, I have decided that I will offer a little something special during the Black Friday period, a gift to you: a small handmade or hand-selected item included with each purchase from now until the end of Cyber Monday.

This approach is my way of saying thank you to you, for valuing my handweaving work, for choosing to support a tiny business, and for helping keep traditional crafts alive. The gift will not be flashy or mass-produced; it will be a small token made or chosen with care, the same way as all my work is.

Supporting small makers means supporting sustainable creativity

Choosing to shop small with me or another independent maker means supporting real craftspeople, artists and makers who have developed their skills and experience over years to create unique beautiful things. Shopping small keeps creative skills alive. It helps maintain diversity and uniqueness in a world where so much is mass-produced. And it allows makers like me to keep creating work that brings warmth, texture, and colour to your home and wardrobe.

I am a member of Artful Collective, a small group of makers, jewellers and artists based around Hampshire. If a handwoven accessory isn't what you are looking for then the Artful Collective Directory might be another great place to look for that unique handcrafted gift.

Colour Friday is an alternative to Black Friday

Colour Friday is a campaign started and championed by Holly Tucker of Holly & Co. She is encouraging us all to shop small and support Colour Friday instead of Black Friday. The day is to 'celebrate the remarkable colour, creativity and community spirit that independent businesses bring to the UK'.

Holly's suggestions for Colour Friday are that you consider doing any of the following:

• Buying at least one of your Christmas gifts from a UK small business

• Supporting your local high street by visiting them in person

• Leaving positive reviews for small businesses with great products or services

• Sharing businesses you like with others on social media (even a like or a kind comment can help their algorithm)

• Telling other people about Colour Friday and why you are backing it

As someone who weaves bright and colourful handwoven accessories this is certainly a campaign that aligns with my thinking!

Handwoven Tartan merino shawl - a unique gift

Thank you for supporting slow-made craft

If you choose to shop with me or another small maker this season, thank you. Every purchase, every share, every kind comment genuinely makes a difference.

Here’s to thoughtful gifting, sustainable making, and valuing the things and people who take time to create beautiful unique things.

My handwoven scarves, shawls, snoods and other accessories are for sale in my website for UK and USA delivery.

If you are interested in knowing what is on the loom, off the loom and workshop dates then do sign up to receive my weaving news emails by clicking here.

If you are looking for a unique luxury handwoven scarf, shawl or snood then do visit my website shop by clicking here.