National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Fun Shopping
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Two weeks before Black Friday
Holiday emoji:: 🛍️

National DTC Friday empowers consumers to connect directly with innovative brands, bypassing traditional retail channels every year, exactly two weeks before Black Friday. This day celebrates the efficiency and unique offerings of the direct-to-consumer movement. Explore new products, enjoy exclusive deals, and support brands building stronger customer relationships.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday Deals

National DTC Friday is a prime opportunity for shoppers to snag exclusive deals directly from their favorite brands, often two weeks before the Black Friday rush. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows brands like Warby Parker, Casper, and Glossier frequently offer discounts on eyewear, mattresses, and beauty products. Expect special bundles from Allbirds, limited-time offers from Away luggage, and subscription incentives from services like Thrive Market. Even emerging brands leverage this day to offer first-time buyer discounts. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 12 approaches.

Platform Guide for National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalDTCFriday. Share your favorite DTC finds, unboxing videos, or a ‘haul’ of new products.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalDTCFriday. Create short, engaging videos showcasing innovative DTC products or reviewing your recent purchases.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDTCFriday. Share articles about the DTC movement or host a live Q&A with a DTC brand founder.

National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday Hero

Jeff Raider

Jeff Raider is a prominent figure in the modern direct-to-consumer movement, co-founding two highly successful DTC brands: Warby Parker (eyewear) and Harry's (men's grooming). His work has demonstrated the power of bypassing traditional retail to offer high-quality products, build strong brand identities, and foster direct relationships with customers. Raider's ventures have inspired countless entrepreneurs to adopt the DTC model.

History of National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday

When ‘digital native’ brands, such as Bonobos and Warby Parker first appeared on the radar over a decade ago, in the late 2000s, the traditional retail model was forever disrupted. Nowadays, over two-thirds of consumers demand direct connectivity to brands. It’s essential to invest in developing long-term relationships with consumers to succeed in a world where, for example, 40% of consumers purchased a direct-to-consumer (D.T.C.) company in 2019.

But believe it or not, the basis of D.T.C. traces back to the late 1700s, during which time, advances in transportation and technology meant a decrease in freight, and people used to consume locally because of geographical advantages. The purpose of D.T.C. was to lower prices for consumers and raise profits for farmers and manufacturers, and even though it worked, D.T.C. only became popular during the late 1990s, when it was mainly used by online retailers as the Internet kept getting stronger and stronger.

Consumers loved the exclusive experience and close relationships they were building directly with product makers — regardless of the price they paid. That’s why it is said that National Direct-To-Consumer Friday was founded by everyday people looking to solve everyday problems. D.T.C. brands have taken on the burden of manufacturing, distributing, and marketing their products because they are passionate about finding a better way, and thus, they should be celebrated.

National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday timeline

1825

The First U.S. Department Store

Arnold Constable, the first department store in the U.S., opens its doors in New York City.

1979

Teleshopping is Invented

It is created by Michael Aldrich, who connects a television to a real-time transaction processing computer via a telephone line.

1993

The Internet is Made Public

The World Wide Web officially launches for everyone.

1994

The First Online Transaction is Made

Dan Kohn makes the first online transaction, as he sells a C.D. to a friend in Philadelphia.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday

Local businesses, especially those with an online presence, can celebrate National DTC Friday by highlighting their own direct sales channels and customer relationships. Offer exclusive online-only deals or bundles that aren’t available through third-party retailers. Host a virtual ‘meet the maker’ event or an Instagram Live Q&A to showcase your brand’s unique story and connect directly with your audience. Use #NationalDTCFriday to join the broader conversation and attract new customers looking for direct-to-consumer options.

National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday FAQs

When is National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday?

In 2026, National DTC Friday falls on Friday, November 13. This shopping holiday is perfectly timed two weeks before Black Friday, giving consumers an early start on deals.

How large is the Direct-To-Consumer market?

The direct-to-consumer market is experiencing significant growth, with projections suggesting it will reach approximately $175 billion in the U.S. by 2026. This expansion reflects a shift in consumer preference towards direct brand engagement.

Why is National DTC Friday celebrated two weeks before Black Friday?

The timing of National DTC Friday, two weeks before Black Friday, is strategic. It aims to accelerate and support the direct-to-consumer community by giving these brands an early platform to showcase products and deals before the major holiday shopping frenzy begins.

What is the main advantage of direct-to-consumer shopping?

The primary advantage of direct-to-consumer shopping is the direct connection it creates between the brand and the customer. This eliminates middlemen, often leading to better pricing, higher quality control, and more personalized customer service.

National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday Activities

Support a D.T.C. company
You can support your favorite D.T.C. company by posting a photo of a product on social media or recommending it to a friend. You can also help the company by purchasing other products.
Discover new brands
Discover new brands by searching online or asking around. You can find interesting new options and brands to shop better.
Share a post on social media
Post something using the hashtag #shopbetter on social media. You can share information about the options that are available to consumers to actually shop better.

5 D.T.C. Companies

Allbirds
This company is an apparel brand known for its machine washable wool sneakers.
Away
A travel company that makes functional, modern, designer luggage and travel accessories.
Billie
This company is a subscription service that sells body care products, such as razors, lotion, and body wash.
Birchbox
It is a monthly subscription service that sends customers boxes of beauty and skincare product samples.
Chewy
This company is an online retailer specializing in pet food, toys, and supplies.

Why We Love National DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) Friday

D.T.C. is beneficial to companies
Many experts state that brands are switching to D.T.C. because they want to maximize their income. Long story short, companies aim at raising profit, so they will do what is necessary to achieve it.
There is no need for middlemen
Another benefit of D.T.C. is that there is no need for middlemen. Purchasing and selling can be done directly with the company.
Brands have full control of their product
Experts say manufacturers want to take full control of their product, brand, messaging, customers, reputations, etc. This is also beneficial to consumers since they are likely to receive perfect information about the product that a brand is offering.