Why I’m Celebrating Colour Friday, Not Black Friday

Every year, Black Friday rolls around, bringing with it a frenzy of flash sales, panic buying, mindless spending, and probably some regretful purchases. It’s the very opposite of what I believe shopping should be: joyful, thoughtful, and full of heart.

This is why this year, I’m backing Colour Friday! A celebration of small businesses, creativity, and everything that makes shopping meaningful.

Supporting small businesses means supporting people

When you shop small, you’re not funding a billionaire’s fourth yacht or a faceless corporation. You’re supporting real people, real families, just like me!

Republic of Happy is my one-woman show, designed, run, and packed full of colour from my little studio in Cornwall, UK. Every order helps me keep doing what I love: creating joyful, high-quality products that bring smiles to your home and life.

Shopping small also supports local suppliers, helps us give back to our communities, and keeps personality, variety, and vibrancy alive in the world. When you choose indie makers, you’re part of that movement.

Why I don’t do blanket discounts

Black Friday thrives on massive markdowns. But here’s the thing: many big retailers inflate their prices only to slash them later. It’s not genuine, and it’s not fair to shoppers who bought at full price.

At Republic of Happy, I don’t price my products with built-in room for huge discounts. My prices reflect the true value of my designs. The care I pour into every detail, and my commitment to quality. I craft my products with love and care, making sure they’re not only beautiful but built to last.

When I do offer special deals, they’re thoughtful and targeted, designed to add value for my biggest fans. It’s my way of saying thank you, without devaluing my work or your trust.

Thoughtful shopping is better for everyone

Let’s be honest: Black Friday is all about grabbing bargains, often for stuff we don’t need or even want. Colour Friday encourages something far more meaningful: shopping with intention.

When you shop small, you’re choosing items that are unique, special, and made to last. My products are not mass-produced. They’re crafted in small batches by expert hands, so nothing goes to waste. That’s why when you buy from Republic of Happy, you’re getting something truly special.

Quality over quantity

I believe in fewer, better things. My products aren’t just items. They’re little bursts of happiness, designed to brighten your day every time you use them.

By choosing quality over quantity, you’re investing in pieces that last. You’re also choosing to reduce waste and support more sustainable shopping habits. That’s something we can all feel good about.

Join me in celebrating Colour Friday

Colour Friday is about more than shopping. It’s about celebrating creativity, community, and conscious choices. It’s about giving gifts that mean something and supporting businesses that bring colour and joy to the world.

This Christmas (and beyond), let’s vote with our wallets for a fairer and more positive world. By shopping small, you’re making a real difference for indie makers like me, for your community, and for the planet.

So let’s make this season merry and bright, the Republic of Happy way!

P.S. Holly & Co are the organisers of this fabulous campaign. A huge thank you goes out to them for providing resources like images and data, and to Rebecca Strickson for the gorgeous artwork for us small businesses to spread the word!

Stay colourful :-)

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