Why Arsenic & Old Lace Doesn’t Do Black Friday — And Why We Never Will
- Emma Moore
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
By Emma, Founder of Arsenic & Old Lace • Published: 3 November 2025Handcrafted bow ties & accessories made with intention, not urgency.
A Personal Story
When I first founded Arsenic & Old Lace almost a decade ago, I was selling my handmade bow ties and pocket squares at a small winter market. Across from me was a stall overflowing with mass-produced scarves plastered with signs like “70% OFF – BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND ONLY.” People scooped them up in bulk — not because they loved them, but because they were cheap.
I remember one customer saying, “It’s only a couple of quid— if I don’t use it, it doesn’t matter.”
I stood there, watching those thin, synthetic scarves being bagged up again and again, and I couldn’t help but wonder:
How long until they end up in landfill?
A month? A season? Or perhaps never worn at all — just another forgotten bargain.
Later that same day, someone came to my stall and carefully chose one of my bow ties for their wedding. They held it gently, asked about the fabric and the stitching — and that moment made everything clear:
I didn’t want to make throwaway things. I wanted to make treasured things.
From that day on, I knew Arsenic & Old Lace would never take part in Black Friday.
Why We Don’t Support Black Friday
1. Overconsumption isn’t sustainable
Black Friday promotes impulse buying rather than thoughtful purchasing. It fuels a cycle of waste, not longevity. As Good On You points out, “Impulse buying encouraged by flash discounts is exactly what our planet doesn’t need.” (goodonyou.eco)
2. The environmental cost is too high
The UN Environment Programme highlights how the fashion industry’s surge during peak consumption periods contributes significantly to pollution, greenhouse-gas emissions, and textile waste. (unep.org)
According to Waste Managed, up to 80% of items bought during Black Friday may end up in landfill, incineration, or low-quality recycling. (wastemanaged.co.uk)
As one sustainability report states:
“The global fashion industry produces 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year.” — Ellen MacArthur Foundation (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org)
3. We believe in fair pricing all year round
We don’t inflate prices just to slash them for a weekend. Our pricing reflects the real cost of high-quality cotton, wool, tweed, ethical production, and craftsmanship.
4. Craftsmanship takes time and care
Discount culture often means shortcuts, poor quality control, and pressured supply chains. Many articles highlight that Black Friday deals can worsen worker exploitation and undermine dignity in the fashion industry. (atmos.earth)
5. We choose trust over urgency
No countdowns. No panic buying. If you buy from us, I want it to be because you genuinely love it — not because a timer told you to.
What We Offer Instead
Honest pricing every day
Hand-crafted bow ties, ties, pocket squares, and accessories built to last
Natural fabrics and timeless designs — including our William Morris–inspired Lodden print
A slower, more sustainable approach to fashion
FAQ
1. Does Arsenic & Old Lace take part in Black Friday?
No. We do not offer Black Friday discounts because we believe in fair, transparent pricing all year round.
2. Why don’t you do Black Friday sales?
Because Black Friday encourages over-consumption, waste, and unfair pricing strategies which don’t align with our values of sustainability and craftsmanship. (goodonyou.eco)
3. Do you offer discounts at other times?
Very occasionally — only when we discontinue fabrics or end a collection. Never to create pressure or false urgency.
4. Are you against shopping entirely?
Not at all. We’re against mindless shopping. We support choosing fewer, better things — pieces you’ll wear and cherish.
5. How is your brand more sustainable?
We use natural fibres (cotton, wool, tweed), produce in small batches, avoid over-production, and design with longevity and repairability in mind.
A Final Word From Me
My hope is that when you choose something from Arsenic & Old Lace, it becomes part of your story — worn to weddings, celebrations, quiet mornings, and treasured moments. Not something bought because it was “70% off this weekend only”.
Thank you for choosing craftsmanship over chaos, and value over volume.
I’d love to hear your thoughts — what are the pieces in your wardrobe that you truly treasure? Share your story in the comments or on Instagram — I read every one.
With gratitude,
Emma
Founder, Arsenic & Old Lace
About the Author..
Emma is the founder of Arsenic & Old Lace, a UK-based brand specialising in handcrafted bow ties, pocket squares, ties, and accessories. With almost a decade of experience in sustainable fashion, she is passionate about slow fashion, ethical production, and creating pieces that are cherished for years. Emma believes that style should be thoughtful, sustainable, and a reflection of personal stories, not fleeting trends.
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