With each passing year, the buzzword “sustainability” garners more steam. 2020 especially has been the wake-up call the world needed. While the movement (and terminology) is popular, the ideal scenario hasn’t grounded into reality.
Speaking of consumption, Black Friday, the most discounted shopping season, is now in full swing. The question on the minds of many is—will people still shop like crazy despite COVID-19?
Last year, over 300 retailers opted out of Black Friday in the name of the environment. But with the current pandemic that has resulted in closed stores and significant financial losses, brands are unable or unwilling to opt-out from the biggest holiday sale.
“Old habits die hard, but we can try” is IKEA Canada’s current spirit. The Swedish brand’s Black Friday campaign has sustainability at its core and includes initiatives like selling-back gently used IKEA furniture for store credit and a spotlight on eco-friendly products. While the mission is strong, the messaging still encourages the customer to buy.
This Black Friday, people will be spending their time online browsing through websites and social media for the best deals. The real question is: Are they searching for sustainable products or will whims and fancies fulfill desires—and decide the future of Earth?
