How the Pandemic Changed Black Friday
The Evolution of Black Friday
The days of camping outside a store for hours on Thanksgiving Day, hoping to nab that hot, Black Friday deal, are a thing of the past.
A New Approach to Black Friday
"The concept of Black Friday as a single day does not exist anymore," said Kristin McGrath, a shopping expert at BlackFriday.com. The pandemic changed how retailers approach the official start of the holiday shopping season. "It kind of put a stop to a lot of the in-store hype in general," she said. "There’s still a lot of hype around Black Friday, but that hype has really been spread out."
Retailers’ New Strategy
Several major retailers like Target and Walmart have been rolling out waves of Black Friday deals weeks before Thanksgiving, slashing prices on everything from smart televisions and small appliances to AirPods and clothes.
Shoppers’ Expectations
"I’m looking at websites… like all the deals early," said Claude Germain, an early shopper. "Always important to get a head start because by the time the holidays start, that’s when everything’s become pandemonium," added Christopher Filius, a shopper in Pembroke Pines.
Finding the Best Deals
According to a national BlackFriday.com survey, shoppers expect to spend over $900 this holiday season. 53% of shoppers surveyed said they were searching for deals, discounts, and coupons in November. 43% said they were likely to decrease their holiday shopping budgets because of inflation.
Inflation’s Impact
"Consumers definitely have inflation on their brain," McGrath said. "They’ve been getting hit by it for the better part of two years now and that really does factor into their holiday and Black Friday shopping strategies." "Inflation is crazy," Germain said. "You just gotta budget better. You just gotta adapt."
Tips for Smart Shopping
If you’re looking to save, set a holiday shopping budget and stick to it. Make a list before you shop to help you avoid impulse buys and a little bit of research ahead of time can go a long way. "Really look at deals carefully," McGrath said. "Do a price history search on products, if you can, to see if it actually is a good deal compared to what has been offered the rest of the year so that you’re not getting tricked into buying something thinking it’s the best deal ever."
Conclusion
The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way retailers approach Black Friday, and shoppers are adapting to the new normal. By being aware of the changing landscape and adopting a smart shopping strategy, consumers can make the most of their holiday shopping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to find the best Black Friday deals?
A: Look for deals early, starting in October or November, and prioritize research to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Q: How can I save money during the holiday shopping season?
A: Set a budget, make a list, and stick to it. Research prices, compare deals, and avoid impulse buys.
Q: How can I take advantage of price-matching policies?
A: Check with your preferred retailers for their price-matching policies, which may refund the difference if an item goes on sale later in the season.
Price-Matching Policies
- Target
- Walmart
- Best Buy
- Kohls
- Amazon
