by In my last column, I called attention to the “No Buy 2025” movement and why I think this could hurt our industry. I explained the premise of “no buy” — which encourages shoppers to reduce and/or eliminate buying nonessential items throughout this year.
While this idea may sound great to folks looking to live the minimalist life and may also appeal to those who lose sleep at night worrying about their carbon footprints, I would like to make a case for saying no or at least saying no to parts of the whole no-buy premise.
I get that the “No Buy 2025” movement is a reaction against overconsumption, but as it stands, I think the reaction is knee-jerk.
Instead of some arbitrary, absolute no-buy-anything that is not essential, how about asking shoppers to be more deliberate and mindful in their purchases.
Further, last time I checked, this is still America, so damn it, let freedom ring … and let consumers who want to buy home furnishings buy them.
I would also throw in that when one buys well-made furniture and invests in well-made, long-lasting goods, you are investing in quality over quantity and sustainability over disposability.
When consumers buy our goods, they help the economy and support local businesses and local employment.
Also, when consumers engage in mindful consumption of well-made goods, they tend to keep them longer, which means less furniture ending up in the landfill.
And to the No Buy 2025 fans who scream about the need for sustainability, I am right there screaming with you. But my rant is that sustainability isn’t about buying fewer things — it is about buying smarter and choosing items that can be long lasting.
And last, but by no means least — I believe we have the right to choose. And no person, political party or social media movement has the right to take that from us.
So, in my opinion, while the No Buy 2025 may be well-intentioned ( I also know of a hot spot that has such a road leading to it), this movement dismisses, or at least overlooks, the benefits of mindful, thoughtful consumption.
That’s my story, and I am sticking to it.
Now, if I only could come up with a slogan to go with this column.
Got an idea for a catchy slogan? Send it to me at allegrezzaray@gmail.com.
As always, I love hearing from you!
I loved Rays article on the No Buy Movement. I’m not going to change my personal buying habits because of Trump or anyone else in his strange administration. Like Ray said buying smarter and buying items that will last a long time works for me. I’m renovating my home in Boca and not holding back at all with construction cost or the furniture cost. It seems like the right thing to do. I’m not going to let Trumps tariffs change how I live. I hope other people think like me going forward.