Located right in the heart of downtown Raleigh on Hargett St. is Black Friday Market. The Herald spoke with CEO and Chairman Johnny Hackett Jr. about his business and its inspiration. The business originated from a “Black-owned business directory called #BlackDollarNC” which began in February 2019. They started growing their directory and now have over 1,100 businesses and counting. The brick and mortar of #BlackDollarNC, Black Friday Market, opened on Dec. 15, 2020. Johnny ecstatically stated that they “basically turned the online directory of businesses into a real place where you could shop from various entrepreneurs.”
When asked what opening a business in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was like, Johnny said that “it was difficult, due to watching out for each other’s health and well-being during the time we were setting up. Although, we didn’t have too many struggles with consumer traffic — the location we have is a high-traffic intersection in downtown Raleigh, and we have a lot of support from business owners who have products in the store.” Johnny added that his favorite part of owning his own business is “making [his] own schedule.”
Johnny described his business as a “place where business owners without physical retail space can sell their products.” With an eclectic mix of items, Black Friday Market is a great place to shop for anyone. From candles and hair products to clothes and art, this shop has it all. The market is a great way to support local artists and business owners as 100% of the profits from purchases are given to the artist or business owner. The shop functions by having the business owner or artist pay to have their items featured in Black Friday Market for certain durations of time, so items tend to cycle through quickly.
Eventually Johnny hopes to have a Black Friday Market location in every state. “What we are doing is needed in many different cities in the U.S.,” he said, “so strategic partnerships and opening more stores is our main priority.” Johnny also wanted to thank everyone else involved with the business: “[the] Black Friday Market team is big — we could not do this with just any one person. Jasmine, Eaton, Kayla, Dominique, Jae, Campbell, Aaron and a list of others have been tremendous in establishing this brand and paving the way for a great future. Shoutout to the #Squad!”
Local businesses and artists need support from their communities now more than ever. Stop into Black Friday Market for a new sweatshirt or a gift for a friend; it will not disappoint.
By Elinor Shelp-Peck, Co-Editor in Chief