November 20, 2014

Black Friday Dilemma

Okay, so I have been thinking, pondering, mulling it over and I'm pretty sure I'm 100% anti-Black Friday. And super anti-Black Friday for those poor folks that have to work on Thanksgiving. I mean I like deals and bargains and a good hunt, but at what price is the deal costing other people?

I like to live in a world where stores are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm an old-fashioned mid-west girl. I live in a town where the stores downtown close at 7 pm on weeknights and you have to drive to the next town to see a mall.

I want small events in artist's studios and shopping at local artists markets. I want to shop downtown and support all those hard-working mom-and-pop shops that make up the landscape of my beloved home town. I want to shop online with my friends and artists that I have been admiring all year.

But I'm also a business owner and have a family to take care of and know that everyone is getting ready to buy gifts and make gifts and start the whole shopping frenzy. I love that that my business helps those who want to buy handmade and honor small businesses. I love that I have a business that encourages creative folks to make gifts for the holidays. It's all great stuff and I'm a holiday nut and love celebrating the holiday season.


So my dilemma, I've decided to not offer a Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale. I've decided to offer my big holiday special early and have came up with a plan for December that makes me happy and ready to pull out a candy cane and hot cocoa!

Humblebeads Holiday Specials:

The Big Sale! 
My big pre-holiday sale is the return of the biggest deal I offer. This is super limited, only 8 are in stock. Like the image says, it's a 1/2 off voucher that you can use right away! Grab yours right here, right now!

Item of the Week:
Starting Monday every week until January, I will send out an Item of the Week email with a special item that will be on sale. There will limited quantities for the item of the week. Email subscribers may find exclusive bonus coupon codes throughout the holidays. Don't miss out!

Subscribe to the Humblebeads email list - the bead emails will include free projects, biz tips and all the good stuff I have always offered.

Subscribe to the Humblebeads Jewelry email list - look for gift guides, gift-wrapping ideas and fun ways to celebrate the season.

Rewards for Repeat Customers
If you are a repeat customer, you'll find little coupon codes to use for December included in your orders.

Events:
December 6th - Humblebeads Holiday Trunk Show - This will be a private invitation only event in South Haven. If you live near me, know me and want to attend, send me a quick email for details.

December 10th & 11th - Humblebeads Online Trunk Show - This will be a one-of-a-kind, sample and overstock sale in a private Facebook group. You'll find jewelry, bead grab bags and more during the event. Details will be posted later this weekend.

Giveaway!
I am going to pick a random email subscriber from both my bead and jewelry email lists for a $50 holiday shopping spree. You have until Sunday at midnight to subscribe.  You may subscribe to both lists to double your chances of winning. Winners may redeem their gift certificates at either my bead or jewelry website.

Okay - candy canes ready - let's enjoy a less crazed, much happier holiday season this year!!!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow -What an exciting, original, amazing, marketing, innovative idea.

I for one am so very very excited about receiving newsletters of your latest creations, workshops, ideas, and offers - who wouldn't jump at the chance!


Heather Powers said...

Thank you Lottie - it wasn't an easy choice but I'm already feeling better knowing I don't have to try to compete with the feeding frenzy next weekend!

Unknown said...

We don't have 'Black Friday' over here thank goodness - but people do go crazy at the after Christmas sales. Not me though. They are often an excuse to get rid of 'old' stock and in the buying frenzy with credit cards it's crazy how people get carried away! Quality rather quantity is my choice.

(You can tell that I am an old lady can't you, with family birthdays in December and mine too)

wishing you every success.

TesoriTrovati said...

You are just all sorts of awesome. I wish I lived in South Haven to get an invite! And I don't know that I have EVER passed up a Humble-on discount. But seeing as there are only 8... I will let the other folks step to play. Even though I have almost every Humblebead ever made, I will buy this if you happen to have any left because there is always room for one more Humblebead on my table! Enjoy the day! Erin

baymoondesign said...

I like the way you think!

Unknown said...

Sounds wonderful Heather. I wish I could come to your open house and drink some cocoa with you (and shop your gorgeous creations)!!