WITH most shoppers convinced Black Friday deals are “fake”, The Social Hub is providing the antidote by launching a new independent business market in Glasgow city centre.
A YouGov study commissioned for the event found that 71 per cent of UK adults do not believe Black Friday deals are genuine, while almost one in five still feel pressured to spend unnecessarily. Feelings of regret are widespread too, with a fifth of Black Friday shoppers saying they have regretted purchases made on the day.
To counter the chaos, The Social Hub is launching Rethink Black Friday in cities across Europe, including Glasgow. The event will run on Friday 28 November from 4 to 8 pm, creating a shopping safe space in the hotel where guests can slow down, switch off and support local makers instead of scrolling for bargains.
The Glasgow market will feature independent businesses including House Party, a Glasgow lifestyle shop built around the idea that everyone is welcome, and Ellis Gin, a Scottish gin brand known for its creative, small-batch spirits. Also taking part is Braw Wee Craft Club, a local studio running accessible craft workshops and parties, and Borthwick, a Scottish apparel brand focused on slower, more balanced living.
Magazine Appreciation Society will join with its collection of hard-to-find indie magazines and camera film, alongside Nook, a seasonal concept store. There will also be pop-ups from jewellery designer Euan McWhirter and MaDa Concept Store, which curates items handcrafted in Ukraine. A Pulse Point Wellness Workshop from Grounded will run throughout the evening to help guests decompress.
Ben McLeod, General Manager at The Social Hub Glasgow: “Glasgow has a brilliant independent shopping scene and we wanted to create a space where people can enjoy that without the pressure of Black Friday.
“We thought long and hard about how we could effect change and help, and that’s why we developed the Rethink Black Friday concept – to give people an alternative and help them slow down and step back from the constant noise for a night.”
The initiative is part of a wider movement from the B Corp certified brand, which is encouraging people across the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain to turn Black Friday on its head and encourage people to reconnect with their community, rather than be at the mercy of big brands.
The Social Hub ambassador Francesca Tur, a futurist and expert in emerging trends and cultural shifts, said: “For years, buying was a way to belong and consumption was true social currency. Now fatigue is setting in. Younger generations are buying less and caring more about wellbeing, nature and value. When brands like The Social Hub take a stance and offer an antidote it is refreshing.”
You Might Also Like:
Edinburgh diners can bag 50% off Vittoria Group vouchers in limited Black Friday offer
Hard Rock Cafe serves up Edinburgh locals’ discount this festive season
Hilton Glasgow launches new social event venue and cutting-edge urban sanctuary
The Caravan Shop Brings Wine and Warmth to Glasgow’s West End
Richy Edwards, founder of House Party, said: “Black Friday is usually all rush and chaos, so we were instantly drawn to the idea of doing the exact opposite.
“At House Party we always say everyone’s invited, and that is the energy we try to bring to events like this. Rethink Black Friday is a chance to take a breath, browse things made by real people and properly enjoy discovering new makers without feeling pressured.
“Glasgow’s creative scene is brilliant and full of personality, and a market that celebrates that, instead of competing with mass-produced deals, is sorely needed.”
