"France Urges Caution Amid Black Friday Clothing Bargains"

The French government has launched a campaign discouraging people from buying new clothes during Black Friday sales, with an advert urging consumers to consider the planet and their finances. The campaign, led by the minister for ecological transition, Christophe Béchu, has faced criticism from other government departments, including the finance minister, who argued that it would harm businesses. Béchu admitted that the campaign may have targeted the wrong businesses and should have focused on online sales platforms instead. The government has also introduced a "repair bonus" to incentivize clothing repairs and combat fast fashion. Industry groups have called for the withdrawal of the campaign, citing potential commercial denigration.