Black Friday and the Small Business Battle

We were asked to speak on the BBC Radio Leeds breakfast show about Black Friday and what it means for small businesses. The day brings a rush of deals from large retailers, and it often leaves independent shops trying to keep up with prices they can’t match.

Many small businesses work on tight margins. They buy stock in smaller batches, often from local makers or ethical suppliers, and they put time into service that large companies can’t offer. When big chains drop prices to levels only they can afford, small shops face a tough choice. They either join in and cut into earnings or hold their ground and risk losing attention during one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year.

Shoppers often don’t see the weight of this. A discount might look simple on the surface, but for a small shop it can mean taking a hit that lasts long after the sale ends. Rent, suppliers, packaging, tools, staff, and tax all stay the same, even when prices drop for a sale.

The challenge grows each year. Black Friday was once a one-day rush. Now it stretches across a full week, and for some, the whole month. This means more pressure on smaller teams to produce fresh content, update websites, prepare in-store displays, and handle questions from customers. Many do all this while trying to stay open and serve people in person.

Even with these hurdles, Black Friday can still work for small businesses. Many shops use it to remind people why shopping local matters. Some offer small bonuses instead of deep cuts, like gift-wrapping, loyalty boosts, or limited extras made by local makers. Others avoid discounts and focus on story-led posts that explain the value behind what they sell.

During the interview we spoke about choice. Every time someone spends money, they shape the future of their high street. A pound sent to a large retailer disappears. A pound spent with a local maker or shop often stays in the area. It helps keep lights on, pays wages, and supports the next idea.

Black Friday may never be a level field, but small businesses bring something that large retailers can’t match: personal service, care, and a sense of community. When people understand that, the playing field shifts a little.

If you shop this season, ask yourself one question. Who do you want your money to support?

BBC Radio Leeds Breakfast Show | 8:00am - 28th November 2025