Black Friday ideas for Shopify stores

Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) is one of the biggest moments in the ecommerce calendar. But with so many brands competing for attention, a discount alone isn't always enough to stand out. Adding giving to your Black Friday strategy can give customers another reason to engage with your brand while helping you build loyalty and make a positive impact.

We’ve rounded up some of the brands getting it right this BFCM. Take a look, get inspired, and see how GoGenerosity can help you do the same.

Shop small, opt outside and rethink BFCM for Shopify stores

Not every brand is following the traditional Black Friday playbook. In recent years, brands including Cards Against Humanity, EYO and Ocean Bottle have found creative ways to step away from BFCM and challenge the idea that more shopping is always better. From encouraging customers to #OptOutside to choosing not to participate in Black Friday at all, brands have used the moment to start a different conversation with their customers.

Dryrobe takes a different approach to Black Friday, choosing to step away from the sales rush altogether. Rather than running Black Friday or Cyber Monday discounts, the brand focuses on creating products that are built to last and building long term relationships with its customers. For Black Friday, Dryrobe chooses to #OptOutside, closing its office and giving the team a paid day off to spend time outdoors.

Stanley has made giving part of its Black Friday strategy for several years. After supporting the Woodland Trust for its UK and EU launch, the brand went on to support charity: water through its Glow Week campaign. For Black Friday, Stanley brought Glow Week back, donating 20% of sales from its Glow range to charity: water. It’s a simple Black Friday idea for Shopify stores looking to connect a product or campaign with a cause their customers can get behind.

‍OMNES is a UK fashion brand focused on making sustainable style more accessible. For Black Friday, they turned their sale into Give Back Friday, pairing a 30% storewide discount with donations to War Child UK, supporting children affected by conflict. Customers could also add their own donation at checkout, giving them another way to get involved. A great example of how brands can combine Black Friday discounts with generosity without taking away from the sale.

‍Early Rider is a UK based kids’ bike brand built around adventure, independence and getting kids outside. Their bikes are designed to help children build confidence, develop skills and discover the world around them. Last Black Friday, they took a different approach with their Black Rideday campaign, encouraging families to swap the shopping rush for time outdoors. They also put generosity at the heart of their campaign, donating from store sales to support causes that help remove plastic, plant trees and provide meals for children in need. A great example of how Shopify stores can rethink Black Friday, giving customers a reason to buy while giving back at the same time.

Inspired to do Black Friday differently?

Have you seen a Black Friday idea that could work for your store? With GoGenerosity, you can build giving into your BFCM campaign and go live within five business days. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download our app - select a subscription plan
2. We install the widget after requesting collab access - If you’re on Shopify Plus we send you instructions for our checkout extension.
3. Our widget can be installed on a staging theme for testing purposes.
4. We partner you up with a charity, or add your existing charity partner.
5. Confirm your campaign type - donations, giftcards, dollar for dollar matching.
6. We send you the widget copy to sign off on before going live.
7. You’ll go live within 5 business days after activating a subscription.

How we look on your store:

FAQs: Black Friday ideas for Shopify stores

What are some Black Friday ideas for Shopify stores?

Black Friday doesn’t have to be all about bigger discounts. Shopify stores can add giving to their BFCM campaigns, donate a percentage of sales, support a charity, match customer donations or encourage customers to give at checkout. Brands can also rethink Black Friday altogether with campaigns that focus on their values rather than discounts.

How can my Shopify store give back on Black Friday?

With GoGenerosity, Shopify stores can build giving directly into their Black Friday campaign. You can support a charity, give from sales, invite customers to donate or run a dollar for dollar matching campaign.

Can I run a Black Friday sale and support a charity at the same time?

Yes. Giving can sit alongside your existing Black Friday promotion. For example, OMNES combined a 30% storewide discount with donations to War Child UK, while also giving customers the option to make their own donation.

Do I need to offer a discount on Black Friday?

No. Some brands choose to approach Black Friday differently. Early Rider encouraged customers to spend time outdoors with its Black Rideday campaign, while Dryrobe chose to #OptOutside rather than take part in traditional Black Friday sales.

How quickly can I launch a Black Friday giving campaign on Shopify?

Your GoGenerosity campaign can go live within five business days after activating your subscription. We help install the widget, connect you with a charity or add your existing charity partner, set up your campaign and send you the copy to approve before going live.

Can GoGenerosity work with my existing charity partner?

Yes. If your store already supports a charity, we can add your existing charity partner. If you don’t have one yet, we can help partner you with a charity that fits your campaign.

Can I test GoGenerosity before my Black Friday campaign goes live?

Yes. The GoGenerosity widget can be installed on a staging theme so you can test the experience before launching it on your live Shopify store.

Does GoGenerosity work with Shopify Plus?

Yes. Shopify Plus stores can use the GoGenerosity checkout extension. We’ll send you the instructions you need to get it set up as part of the installation process.