Black Friday 2025: Why We Still Won’t Be Taking Part

This year, Black Friday lands on Friday 28th November 2025, with Cyber Monday following on 1st December.

But once again, we won’t be running a sale on either day.

Before we go any further, we want to be clear: no one should feel guilty for participating in Black Friday. We’re all consumers, and it’s completely natural to be drawn to savings and deals, especially during a cost of living squeeze. For many households, Black Friday is an important opportunity to buy essentials at a more affordable price.

You may wonder why a retail brand would opt out of one of the biggest shopping moments of the year.

Here are five reasons why we continue to buck the trend.

1) We’re a values-based company

Every decision we make begins with our belief in the value and worth of every child in care.  Madlug exists to help children move with dignity which is why we operate our “Buy One, Wear One, Help One” initiative.

 For every bag you buy, we give a pack-away travel bag to a child in care who would otherwise move their belongings in bin bags or plastic carriers. That commitment doesn’t change for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or any other event throughout the year.

2) We believe our products are worth their true price

We refuse to compromise on quality simply for short-term spikes in sales. We design products to last, with the hope that when you finally need a replacement, you’ll return to Madlug because of your previous experience and not because of a one-day discount.

We also offer our giving bag as a standalone purchase, because many of you tell us you don’t currently need another bag yourselves, but still want to support a young person in care.

3) We’re mindful of growing consumer pressure

In the last few years, cost-of-living challenges and increasing pressure to keep up with trends have made shopping feel more stressful for many people. We don’t want to add to that noise.
 Our hope is that people buy from us when they genuinely need something and can afford it, not because of a manufactured sense of urgency.

4) We’re building a sustainable, long-term business

Around 90 children enter the UK care system each day.  The equivalent of a primary school each week. Meeting this need requires a long-term, stable approach, not a short burst of frantic sales activity.

There are also well-documented environmental concerns surrounding Black Friday, from fast-turnaround shipping to returns, packaging waste, and short-lived products. We want to reduce, not contribute to, that impact.

5) We value our staff and volunteers

Black Friday can be one of the most stressful periods in retail, with teams often stretched to meet unrealistic targets. We refuse to create that pressure internally.
Our goal is to build a workplace where people can thrive and ultimately serve you and children in care better.

Our commitment, every day of the year

While we won’t be offering flash-sale prices on Black Friday, our promise remains the same:  high-quality products made to last, with a pack-away bag donated for every bag purchased.

We do offer occasional discounts throughout the year.  Those who follow us will know this but only in ways that protect our ability to continue supporting children in care.

#ValueWorthDignity #NoBlackFriday #GreenFriday