Six features of Black Friday during a pandemic

He talks about what to expect from Black Friday 2020 - and why it’s better to start shopping early MoneyTalksNews.

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To say that 2020 has been a strange year is an understatement. And this weirdness will carry over to Black Friday.

1. Promotions will last longer

Typically, Black Friday deals last between one and five days, but 2020 is no ordinary year. To accommodate pandemic restrictions, many retailers are planning to extend their sales season.

Walmart has already announced plans to host three events throughout November, rather than a day or two of big discounts on Thanksgiving. Announcements of these events have been released and the first sale has already begun!

2. Fewer “in-store only” promotions will be available.

Every Black Friday, retailers offer a variety of "in-store only" items. These are often ridiculously good deals, like 32-inch TVs for $80 or the latest smartphones at a discount. However, there will be fewer such deals this year.

Let's take Walmart as an example, since there is already some idea of ​​what it is planning. The big giant is already touting TCL's 55-inch 4K Roku TV for $ 148, which is in line with the great deals everyone is expecting to see on Black Friday. But this particular offer is only available online.

Walmart also has "in-store only" deals this year, but they seem to be for products that are less likely to sell out quickly. This could include things like vinyl albums, 4K movies, DVDs, PopSockets, and some kitchen items. Walmart likely has enough of these products in stock that crowds won't be rushing to the doors to grab them quickly. It's likely other major stores such as Target, Best Buy and Kohl's will take similar steps.

On the subject: Things are different in 2020: Walmart, Target and Best Buy already start sales for Black Friday

3. The waiting time will be longer

Customers who shop in stores ahead of Black Friday are no stranger to long waiting times. Whether it's the line to open doors or the line to pay, the willingness to wait has always been part of a good Black Friday strategy. However, the wait this year is likely to take even longer.

Retailers understand that some shoppers will want to visit the store no matter what, but stores must still comply with coronavirus prevention guidelines.

The stores are already claiming that a strictly defined number of shoppers can be admitted inside at the same time, which means that once the capacity is reached, the rest will have to wait outside.

Even if shoppers decide to shop online and pick up the item from the store, chances are they'll have to wait.

4. Stores will have fewer visitors

Stores will limit the number of shoppers who are allowed to be inside at the same time. And given that retailers are encouraging to shop earlier and online, it is likely that overall Black Friday will have fewer in-store visitors.

As stocks stretch for a month, the sense of urgency of shopping on Black Friday will no longer be felt. And discounts on online purchases will help to reduce the congestion in the store, especially if customers prefer to receive orders rather than pick them up on their own.

It's not just stores making these changes. Anyone wanting to see the downtown Christmas tree at Chicago's Walnut Room this year will need to make a reservation. And they'll have to dine at the restaurant if they want to see the tree at all, a measure Macy's is using at the location to reduce crowds.

5. Subject to serious delays in delivery

Delivery delays have increased dramatically throughout 2020, and this happens every year during the holiday season. Retailers are also anticipating severe delivery delays. Because of this, they are already encouraging people to make holiday shopping; the sooner the better this year.

While companies like Amazon and FedEx are hiring more seasonal employees to meet the increased demand, experts advise against counting on it. If you're worried that your holiday gifts won't arrive on time, be sure to make a backup plan.

Shop ahead, send packages directly to recipients, or consider sending a photo of the gift if it doesn't arrive on time so the recipient knows what to expect. Even if you're not a fan of gift cards, it might be worth using them this year - you can usually send them via email to make sure they arrive on time.

On the subject: 7 tips for not spending too much on Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday

6. Gifts are better than emotions

Gifts this year will be a return to what we remember from childhood. Retailers expect more tangible gifts instead of experience and emotion this year. Due to the uncertainty surrounding concerts and other live events, as well as travel in general, it makes sense for many shoppers to gift something tangible this year.

In addition, since many consumers were stuck at home for most of the year, they did not spend their money as usual. Expenses typically associated with dining out, travel, and other events could be redirected to items needed to work and eat at home. Money saved in these categories can be converted into additional gift giving funds.

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