Running a Black Friday sale for businesses sounds tempting, extra sales, new customers, big buzz, but is it really worth it? That time of year when inboxes overflow with offers and businesses everywhere start wondering if they should join in.
At Obsidian Offices, we know how important it is for businesses (and even charities) to make smart choices, not just follow trends. So, we’re taking a balanced look at where Black Friday came from, why it’s so huge now, and the real pros and cons for UK businesses.
Where did Black Friday come from?
Black Friday started in the US, long before it became the global shopping event we know today. It’s the Friday after Thanksgiving when shops traditionally offered big discounts to kick off the holiday season. The name “Black Friday” was first used by Philadelphia police in the 1960s to describe the chaos of shoppers crowding the streets. Later, retailers spun the meaning to suggest it was when their accounts moved from “in the red” (loss) to “in the black” (profit).
In the UK, the trend took off around 2010 thanks to major online retailers. What began as a single day has now turned into a full week, sometimes the entire month of November, of sales and promotions.
The pros of a Black Friday sale for businesses
A well-planned sale can bring some serious benefits:
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A short-term boost in sales and cash flow
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A wave of new customers or supporters who discover your brand
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A chance to clear old stock or fill unused bookings
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A spike in brand awareness and online engagement
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Opportunities to nurture new relationships that can grow beyond the sale
For some businesses, these benefits can be transformative, especially when the momentum is leveraged to build long-term loyalty.
The cons of a Black Friday sale for businesses
It’s not all profit and positivity. There can be real risks that come with running a Black Friday sale for businesses:
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Discount pressure can eat into your margins
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Customers may come to expect discounts again next year
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Operational strain, from extra orders to service capacity, can stretch your team
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You might attract bargain-hunters who don’t return at full price
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For charities, heavy promotion can clash with values or feel too commercial
A Black Friday sale is a powerful tool, but it only works when there’s a clear strategy behind it.
What to consider before jumping in
Before deciding whether a Black Friday sale is right for your business, it helps to take a step back and think about your overall goals.
Are you aiming to increase sales, grow awareness, clear stock, or attract new clients?
Can you comfortably offer discounts without hurting your margins?
Consider whether your team and systems are ready to handle a surge in demand, and plan how you will nurture new customers once the sale is over.
Finally, make sure the promotion aligns with your brand and values so it feels authentic rather than forced.
If you’re not sure, remember, there are plenty of ways to join the conversation without deep discounts. You could run value-add bundles, early access for loyal clients, or exclusive perks for subscribers.
At the end of the day, a Black Friday sale for businesses isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
It can be a great opportunity when done thoughtfully, but it’s not essential for every business. Whether you sell products, provide services, or run a non-profit, the key is to make decisions that align with your brand, your goals and your customers.
Want more help on setting goals for your business? Then check out some of our other blogs on this-