between the steep discounts that big-box retailers are able to offer, and the increasingly aggressive maneuverings of amazon, small business owners can feel justifiably nervous to wade into the black friday waters. but fear not! these creative ideas will help you win customers on the biggest sales day of the year.

create a give back friday promotion

backlash against the chaos and consumerism of black friday has been on the rise in recent years. offer an alternative with a give back friday promotion, in which you commit to donating a portion of the proceeds to a local charity. reach out to neighboring businesses to grow your impact (and you might gain some new customers in the process).

try: instead of black friday, we’re celebrating give back friday this year. stop by on the 24th and we’ll donate 15% of every dollar you spend to {your favorite local charity}.

make your business a black friday safe haven

some of your customers might be first in line on black friday, others might be consciously avoiding the consumerist chaos. if you’re thinking of doing a black friday promotion, try making your store a relatively calm oasis. host a folksy local musician to set the mood, set out some fall-themed snacks—and even consider a mindfulness expert to lead a short guided meditation.

try: escape the black friday madness! come in to enjoy our hot tea and cocoa bar, and get an additional 10% off sale items.

host a family friday

recent studies have shown that americans enjoy family time more than any other aspect of the holidays (way more, for example, than shopping). show your customers that they can have both with a family friendly black friday event. host a few kid-friendly activities like face painting, a fun performer who can engage your shoppers and perhaps a store-wide raffle.

try: don’t sacrifice family time this black friday! earn double points for your purchases while enjoying our all day family activities.

skip it and go with small business saturday instead

save your staff’s energy and your store’s great deals for small business saturday (11/25) and stay closed on black friday. if you do, you won’t be alone: some prominent brands are opting to stay closed on thanksgiving—and even black friday itself, encouraging both their staff and their shoppers to enjoy the time with their family instead.

try: we’re staying closed this thanksgiving and black friday, but join us on small business saturday and get up to 20% off on your purchases.

no matter what your style and stance on black friday, any one of these options is sure to get you noticed!