Delight, Deals, and a Fresh Start: Your Guide to Black Friday Success

Black Friday doesn’t have to mean chaos — it can mean community, creativity, and clearing your shelves for a fresh new year. While big box stores are blasting doorbusters, quilt shops have something better: meaningful experiences, thoughtful products, and customers who love to support small.

From Black Friday to Cyber Monday (and the beloved Small Business Saturday in between), these days are your chance to shine — to delight your customers, clear your shelves, and step into the new year with fresh energy.

Clean Out Your Stash

Before you plan your promotions, take a good look at what’s on your shelves. What fabrics have been sitting too long? What bolts or notions deserve one last spotlight? Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to turn slow-moving stock into something special.

Try transforming those lingering fabrics into giftable bundles or small kits that make perfect holiday gifts. Create custom “stash builder” bundles in-store so customers can mix and match their favorites. And don’t underestimate the fun of a “clear the bolt” special or a mystery grab bag — shoppers love a surprise!

For online shops, make it easy for customers to buy ready-made gift bundles with festive photos and simple add-to-cart options. Think names like “Holiday Stash Builder” or “Quilter’s Stocking Stuffer Pack” to grab attention.

Get started today:
✓ Identify inventory you want to move before year’s end
✓ Photograph bundles early for social and email features
✓ Label sale sections clearly online and in-store so shoppers don’t miss them

Plan Your Promotions

Rather than one chaotic sale day, build excitement all week long. The more ways customers can engage with your shop, the more successful your weekend will be.

Host a “Deal of the Day” each day during Thanksgiving week to keep shoppers coming back. Offer exclusive early access for email subscribers or loyalty members, and consider extending your hours or hosting a special in-shop event for Small Business Saturday. Don’t forget to feature gift cards prominently — they’re easy, appealing, and make perfect last-minute gifts.

Online shops can take this a step further with flash sales or early-access promo codes sent to email lists. Countdown timers and pop-up reminders on your website help drive a sense of urgency and excitement.

Get started today:
✓ Map out your promo calendar for Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday, and Cyber Monday
✓ Create cohesive graphics and schedule posts ahead of time
✓ Double-check your store hours, promo codes, and website banners

Celebrate Small Business Saturday

This is your day — the day customers choose you over the big guys because they value what makes you special.

Partner with other local small businesses for cross-promotions, giveaways, or curated gift bundles. Check if your town or community group is publishing a “Shop Small” list or local news feature and get your name on it early. Add a few special touches to your shop that make the day memorable — maybe a hot cocoa bar, a small demo, a raffle, or a free fat quarter with every purchase.

For online shops, highlight your story and your team. Post behind-the-scenes content or share a short video introducing yourself and your shop. Shoppers love supporting real people — your story is your superpower.

Get started today:
✓ Reach out to local businesses or online maker friends for partnerships
✓ Submit your shop to any local news or community features
✓ Add personal touches that make your customers feel part of something special

Keep the Momentum Going

Don’t let the fun stop after Cyber Monday! Keep the excitement rolling right through December.

Host smaller weekly sales — maybe “Friday is the new Black Friday” — to maintain momentum and keep customers checking back. Start teasing your 2026 collections, classes, or Block of the Month programs to get customers excited for what’s ahead. And don’t be afraid to add a little creativity to your promotions — like a Jane Austen Birthday Sale on December 16 (her 250th birthday!) for something whimsical and unexpected.

For online shops, this is the perfect window to promote shipping deadlines and holiday gift guides. Both are effective ways to create urgency while helping customers plan their purchases in time for the holidays.

Get started today:
✓ Plan follow-up mini-promos through December
✓ Use social media and newsletters to tease new arrivals
✓ Keep highlighting your community — post customer photos, thank-yous, and local spotlights

Your Black Friday Prep List

• Take inventory early. Know what needs to move before the new year and turn it into bundles, kits, or grab bags.
• Plan your promotions. Build a full calendar from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, and create visuals that match across platforms.
• Communicate clearly. Make sure your hours, deals, and website updates are clear everywhere your customers look.
• Collaborate and connect. Partner with other small businesses or local media to spread the word.
• Celebrate your shop’s strengths. Focus on what you’re known for — whether that’s bundles, classes, precuts, or designer fabrics — and make it shine.
• Keep the energy going. Follow up with mini sales, sneak peeks, and thank-you posts that extend the holiday spirit.

Black Friday weekend isn’t just about selling — it’s about storytelling. When your shop feels joyful, creative, and personal, your customers will feel it too. Delight them, clear your shelves, and start the new year with a fresh, inspired slate.

Industry Insight:

Jessica Taylor: Virtual Account Executive & Former Online Shop Owner

“When I ran my online quilt shop, I learned that Black Friday wasn’t about being the cheapest — it was about being the most thoughtful. I’d start teasing my ‘Bundle Bonanza’ weeks ahead, showing sneak peeks on social media and in my newsletters. When the sale launched, my focus wasn’t on yardage discounts — it was on custom bundles, gift sets, and limited-edition kits that told a story. 

What really set my shop apart was the connection. I’d share the story behind each bundle — what inspired it, why I chose those fabrics — and customers loved it. They weren’t just buying fabric; they were buying inspiration. Whether you’re selling online or in-store, lead with creativity and warmth. That’s what keeps people coming back long after the Black Friday rush is over.”