Today is black Friday, not a term I was aware of until about a year or so ago, and not one I am especially fond of, although I do appreciate the discounts are appealing and often necessary. I am much more fond of ‘Just a Card. This is the campaign which “aims to encourage people to buy from Designer/Makers and Independent Galleries and Shops by reinforcing the message that all purchases, however small, even ‘just a card’ are so vital to the prosperity and survival of small businesses”.
This approach to shopping is much more in line with the ‘slow living’ approach which in a fast paced world I find increasingly appealing. Approaching everything including shopping in a more measured and thoughtful way, being mindful of sustainability, locally made and not mass produced, seems increasingly sensible.
A frenzied approach to Christmas shopping is not one I wish to take this year. Busy shopping centres and large department stores tend to induce a sense of Christmas panic. So shopping in small stores, where the service is likely to be more personal and the atmosphere calmer is much more attractive. Having a conversation with the maker or curator of what you are purchasing is a lovely connection to make.
All of us love to browse gift shops, galleries and the like when we are on holiday or travelling so why should we not do the same in our own neighbourhood. In the area of London, I live there are fortunately a number of independent shops, so I have no excuse for not showing locally and slowly.
Etsy is another wonderful way of ‘slow shopping’. Supporting small businesses and buying unique and thoughtful gifts whilst having a cup of tea at home in your pyjamas . I have some lovely things in my home I have bought from Etsy and this year have gradually built up a collection of ‘favourite’ Etsty stores from which to find gifts for others and for me! One of my favourite Etsy Shops, Emma Block Illustration is offering a discounts on all her prints until Monday. I really recommend having a browse.
This weekend, whether you are Christmas shopping or not, I hope you will be inspired to shop slowly and locally and buy ‘just a card’ from an independent maker or seller. It will definitely make you and them happy!
You can read more about Just a Card on their website or in this recent Guardian Article
