How the pandemic changes Black Friday traditions

Many large retailers plan to start selling earlier and finish later than standard terms to avoid large crowds.

Over the past few years, Black Friday has gradually shifted towards online sales. Consumers are increasingly choosing to place orders online instead of crowding into regular stores. Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, the rejection of offline shopping is becoming the norm. While the sphere of delivery is actively developing, there are various options to get the ordered goods - from self-export to specialized courier services.

Thus, according to a survey conducted by Deloitte, nearly 51% of buyers are afraid of visiting regular stores and are more likely to engage in online shopping. But the main thing here is not how the purchases will be made, but in the fact that Black Friday turns into an event that lasts for several days.

And those who would still prefer to visit a physical store these days will see a lot of additional security-related innovations. The precautions taken vary depending on the retailer.

Thus, Best Buy will start to spend Black Friday on the Internet beginning on November 5, expanding the range of products offered. The policy of compulsory wearing of masks and social distance will continue in physical stores throughout the country. Unique places for customer service will allow for quick solutions to various problems.

A similar scenario will be on sale at Home Depot, which begins on November 6 and will last until December 2.

Lowe's will expand their range of products and increase the number of local promotions, encouraging consumers to order on the Internet instead of going to the stores themselves.

Macy's will also focus on online trading with various delivery options, provide additional cleaning in stores, and monitor traffic to avoid large crowds.

In Target, Black Friday will also mostly move to the Internet and stretch for a whole month. All kinds of security measures will be taken - from restrictions on the number of buyers to active promotion of mobile payments.

Walmart will also be working in the same way. The largest American retailer will actively promote Internet shopping, but at the same time promises to make every effort to make visiting the stores as safe as possible. Mandatory masks, disinfected grocery carts, limited traffic, and everything else needed to ensure social distance.

Photo credit: depositphotos.com.

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