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 participating in Black Friday discounting. This pressure extends beyond just the day itself; it stretches through most of November and a few days beyond. My inbox fills with messages offering bargains, flash sales, and unmissable deals.

I understand that for some businesses, this makes sense. However, as a very small independent weaver who creates one-off handwoven scarves, snoods, and other accessories, I work slowly, thoughtfully, and by hand. Therefore, Black Friday discounting is simply not the right fit for me. In this blog, I will explain why I will not participate and what I propose as my alternative.

Handweaver Emma Baker

The Prices of My Handwoven Scarves and Snoods Are Carefully Considered

Weaving is a slow process, and my prices reflect the true work involved. At events, I am often asked how long it takes to weave a scarf. This question is so common that I have written a blog on it, 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. My aim is for my prices to recognise the time, design, skill, labour, and materials that go into creating each item—from the design stage to the finishing touches. Most importantly, my pricing reflects what works for my business to remain sustainable. It allows me to cover my costs, maintain my equipment, and earn a fair income from my work 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

Since my prices are already thoughtful and realistic, there isn’t much 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 rarely have items on sale, and when I do, it is only on the occasional item that I feel needs to be sold to make way for new products. My approach is not to inflate prices for the sake of later reductions.

A Thoughtful Gift Instead of Discounts

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 often look to buy one of my handwoven pieces because it has turned cold or because they are searching for a gift for a loved one.

Luxury handwoven scarf - a perfect Christmas gift

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

This approach is my way of saying thank 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, just like all my work.

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 over years to create unique, beautiful things. Shopping small keeps creative skills alive. It helps maintain diversity and uniqueness in a world filled with mass-produced items. It allows makers like me to continue 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 in Hampshire. If a handwoven accessory isn't what you are looking for, the Artful Collective Directory might be another great place to find a unique handcrafted gift.

Colour Friday: A Vibrant Alternative to Black Friday

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

Holly's Suggestions for Colour Friday:

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

• Support your local high street by visiting them in person.

• Leave positive reviews for small businesses with great products or services.

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

• Tell others about Colour Friday and why you are backing it.

  
  

As someone who weaves bright and colourful handwoven accessories, this campaign aligns perfectly with my values!

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, and 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 items.

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

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

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