Christmas is here, and that means an inclination to spend excessively. For most of us, it is a period to shop for apparels we do not necessarily need. The fashion industry is one of the world's greatest producers of polluting materials. Shopping platforms and most traditional stores have helped nurture, both positively and negatively, consumerism and how customers relate to retailing. For example, the traditional Black Friday shopping — an experience hugely anticipated by all shopping lovers. Normally taking place towards the end of November, Black Friday sees retailers discount and slash prices to enable consumers to shop both needs and wants from unlimited offers. The buzz around this day is a way to officially usher us into the season of Christmas, lighting up our moods, and giving us reasons to shop extensively in the days that follow.
According to the Office of National Statistics, retail sales rose by 1.4% in Britain this November. The NRF expects that online and other non-store sales, from $196.7 billion in 2020, will increase by 11-15 percent, with up to $226.2 billion driven by online purchases. It also records that clothing store sale volumes in November 2021 were above pre-coronavirus levels for the first time, at 3.2% above their level in February 2020.
Although high sales are an indication that businesses and the economy are doing well, it’s just as important to pay attention to intentions. Sustainable fashion and responsible shopping have been the hottest topics in recent years, so, what better time to remind us of this than a time that actively supports excessive spending? Here are a few reasons to shop consciously this season.
Supports A Circular Economy
One of the major reasons to shop sustainably is to support the circular economy. This economy is underpinned by reusable products and is a situation where buyers, retailers, and shoppers obtain services or goods from those within their environment. It allows money to circulate within the economy or country, such that buyers obtain products from local retailers, while local retailers obtain products at wholesale prices from local wholesalers, who in turn obtain these products from local manufacturers, producers and artisans. The money made from these sales goes towards improving the economic state of the area.
Excellent for the climate and environment
As stated, the fashion industry is one of the highest producers of waste. However, there have been a lot of conversations around how sustainable shopping and buying can save the planet. This is why most retailers are coming up with the concept of swapping. This means to bring in durable used clothes of quality, in exchange for clothes that match the same quality. This isan excellent way to get rid of clothes we no longer want, satisfying our need to change our wardrobes for new staples without contributing to waste.
Everybody gets a chance
Another conversation starter in the fashion industry is the one of inclusion. However, this isn’t about size, race, or gender, but instead pricing. The industry is built in such a way that those with a decent amount of pounds or dollars, hardly find what they seek. Maybe it’s because the industry understands that spending large sums on clothes gives a certain level of prestige, and is therefore reaping off it. However, not just consumers are seeing the need for affordable, sustainable and responsible buying, retailers and certain designers are finally offering everyone access to affordable wear.
There’s commendation that comes with spending thoughtfully. Shopping sustainably and responsibly means protecting the interests of designers, producers and artisans. With fast fashion, durability isn’t at the core of production, making workers work twice as much and exploitatively.