Tetbury Retailers Promote ‘Colour Thursday’ as Alternative to Black Friday

Independent retailers on a town’s main shopping street are encouraging patrons to support small, local businesses as a counter to the widespread consumerism associated with Black Friday. Over 30 establishments in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, are participating in an initiative called ‘Colour Thursday’, extending their opening hours until 20:00 GMT and hosting unique in-store events to highlight their merchandise. Amelia Black, co-owner of the Tetbury Pet Shop, commented: “It’s a push back, not against specific corporations but against the wastage that goes on in the industry around Black Friday.” This local effort mirrors the national ‘Colour Friday’ movement, which was established four years prior with the aim of diverting billions of pounds typically spent on Christmas shopping towards independent enterprises. Ms Black further stated: “We have such a great high street in Tetbury and your high street is really the hub of the community.” She added: “A lot of people love coming to a great high street for a day out and meet people, without a lovely high street people would really miss it, so supporting it is really important to keep everyone going.” Beyond the extended hours, she mentioned their shop is offering a “spin the wheel” activity, giving customers the chance to receive discounts or win a prize for their pet. A dedicated trail map, designed by local artist Brian Van Zyl, has been produced to highlight all the shops participating in the late opening. Tetbury town councillor, Alison Figueiredo, played a role in organizing the event. Councillor Figueiredo explained: “What we are trying to do is to really promote the high street because we have some fantastic independents here.” She elaborated: “The high street offers a different experience to what internet Black Friday offers, you get a much more personal touch. It’s about teaching people how to shop more mindfully as Black Friday does encourage that mass consumerism and a lot ends up in landfill.” Emma Moore, who owns Dot and Doug, an environmentally friendly children’s clothes company, emphasized the contribution of independent businesses to the entire community. Mrs Moore personally crafts all the clothing in-store using sustainable materials and also stocks other sustainable brands. She remarked: “Independents are important because we are real people, there are people behind the small businesses, we are real, we have families and we shop in the community.” Meghan Kinnison-Cook, representing the lifestyle store Domestic Science, is also lending her support to the initiative. She commented: “It’s about voting through your money on your values and being a bit more conscious of the products that you want to buy for Christmas.” Kinnison-Cook concluded: “It can be tough to be an independent, knowing the bigger corporations get the crux of peoples spending but the reaction we’ve had to doing this campaign has been really good so far and people want to come out and support us.” For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on its social media platforms: Facebook, X, and Instagram. To submit story ideas, contact us by email or through WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC, all rights reserved. Please note that the BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.