Let Them Race
“The terms ‘in the black’ and ‘in the red’ are commonly used in accounting to indicate a company’s financial status.
‘In the black’ signifies profitability, as profits were traditionally recorded in black ink, while ‘in the red’ denotes losses, recorded in red ink.”— ChatGPT
Friday after Thanksgiving
Black Friday got its name decades ago as chaos ensued in stores the day after Thanksgiving and sales soared. Stores were “in the black.”
Since then marketers have taken it and run with it (like marketers do with pretty much everything). The ramping up most notably occurred in the 80’s.
Today we have Small Business Saturday and Pink Friday – both started by marketers of businesses also marketing themselves.
What is really going on?
When I was a retailer, I noticed on the Friday after Thanksgiving that the customers shopping with me were many times my regulars with family/friends from out-of-town.
My peeps were excited to show off one of their local favorites – something unique to their home town.
What you have.
Anyone can compete on price. It’s a race to the bottom.
When you focus on price, guess what? Your customers do, too.
Do you want that?
Your business is unique.
Your business helps shape your community’s identity.
Use this knowledge to your advantage.
Today.
I hope lots of people get great deals today. It helps the economy.
BUT – I hope your gross profit margin stays nice and high – and that you don’t stress over sales on one day of the year. It’s ok for other businesses to be busier today. Let them race.
Have a great day doing YOU.
xoxo,
AmyFay
P.S. Pink is RED with some white. The irony of some marketers naming Black Friday Pink Friday makes me laugh! 😂
Ready for the busiest weeks of the year?
Here we go!!!
AmyFay
Don’t miss next Friday
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