LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Many stores offered early Black Friday deals in response to COVID-19 this year to help spread shoppers out over time and keep the crowds to a minimum on the country's busiest shopping day. And Steve McClain, with the Kentucky Retail Federation, hopes that will bring smooth shopping for the rest of the holiday season.
“We've seen some numbers, maybe almost 50 percent of people are saying they're done. They're already done shopping,” said McClain.
Another trend this year is the rise in online shopping, which McClain recommends as a safe way to shop.
“This year, because of the pandemic, those numbers will probably go up quite a bit more, I think nationally and even in Kentucky,” said McClain.
McClain also suggests taking advantage of other safety measures stores are offering, like curbside pickup.
While there may be smaller crowds on the biggest shopping day of the year, the convenience of early deals may lead to more shopping overall this season, which would be positive for retailers.
“I think just from looking at our members, they are cautiously optimistic that they can get a little bit above, somewhat above what they did last year,” said McClain.
For shoppers that do decide to wait in line and shop in-store on Black Friday, McClain asks them to follow CDC guidelines, like social distancing and wearing a mask.
