Pink Friday helping small businesses jump start the holiday shopping season

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – In an era dominated by Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a new movement is carving out its place in the holiday shopping season.

It’s called Pink Friday, and it’s designed to give small, locally owned businesses a boost before the big-box retail frenzy begins.

The initiative started in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s all the local businesses that get together and help each other out,” said Laura LePre, owner of The Season Boutique in Harahan, Louisiana.

This year, nine small businesses in Harahan are teaming up to drive traffic to one another by hosting a simple bingo game. Shoppers who visit five participating businesses earn a chance to win $180 in gift cards from the group.

“It’s been steady. It’s still a new movement,” said Mimi Fallo, owner of Mimi’s Laser Alternatives. “But I see other communities starting to pick up on it, thinking it’s a great idea. I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

LePre said Pink Friday is attracting both loyal customers and new faces.

“All our customers love this place. They absolutely love it. Everybody says they will be back. Every day we get more customers, new customers. It’s very exciting,” she said.

Fallo emphasized the importance of rallying around local businesses.

“When people get together and decide to support one another, it just pays off for everybody,” she said.

Fallo also voiced her concerns about online shopping and the prevalence of fast fashion — inexpensive clothing produced quickly and often in large quantities.

“How many of those jumpers do you need? Do you have to order six of them? Really?” she said. “I mean, one good quality jumper is better than six, I’m sorry, questionably made jumpers.”

Her message is simple: prioritize quality over quantity and support your community.

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