Black Friday: Time for Deals – or Reflection?

Black Friday grabs us every year with eye-catching discounts and promises of “the best deals.” But with all the buzz about buying more for less, it’s worth asking: Do we actually need more?

Black Friday Switzerland 2023 in Numbers

Last year, Black Friday was big in Switzerland. On average, shoppers spent about CHF 300 each, and spending across the weekend hit nearly CHF 500 million (source: Swiss Retail Federation). The bargain hunt is real—about 85% of Swiss buyers dove into deals, especially in electronics, fashion, and home goods (source: Watson.ch). And it’s not just Black Friday; Singles’ Day saw planned spending of around CHF 200 too (source: Swiss Retail Federation). The numbers show a love for deals, but also raise questions about what drives our shopping, especially when secondhand can be an option.

What’s Our Community Saying?

We asked our marko community about Black Friday on Instagram, and here’s what they shared: 35% feel pressured by the event, with 41% saying they often overspend. By comparison, international surveys show similar sentiments; for example, nearly half of global consumers plan to shop this Black Friday, even while many feel the pinch of inflation (source: BCG). In Switzerland, roughly 15% of shoppers admitted to regretting impulsive buys (source: Swissinfo). While 85% of the marko users say they actively avoid buying what they don’t need, a growing number—46%—are skipping Black Friday entirely. It’s a sign of a shift toward more conscious choices.

A Move Toward Secondhand

Our community is increasingly turning to secondhand: nearly half (49%) say almost every purchase is pre-loved, while only 28% lean toward new items. This mirrors a trend across Switzerland and globally, with more people embracing sustainable shopping. About 30% of Swiss consumers regularly buy secondhand clothes and furniture, and globally, Gen Z is leading this shift (source: dpd, Nielsen, BCG). marko’s community embodies this shift too, choosing what’s needed, often secondhand — and that’s something we’re here for.

The Bigger Picture

So at marko, we’re big on secondhand shopping. We believe pre-loved items reduce the need for new production, saving resources and cutting emissions. But there’s more to the story. This is only true for purchases that replace something new. Some studies show that secondhand’s lower prices and feel-good factor can actually encourage more consumption overall. With Black Friday coming up, let’s look at the big picture: secondhand alone isn’t the fix for everything. Shopping mindfully matters, and we’re part of that conversation — not the whole solution.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

With Black Friday rolling around, we’re all about taking a moment to think first. We’re not saying “don’t buy anything” or judging anyone for treating themselves. Sometimes there’s something you’ve needed or wanted, and Black Friday might be the right time to get it for less. We just invite you to ask yourself: Do I really need this? Will it last? And can I find it secondhand?