We’ve all seen the videos before: a sea of people crashing into stores to try and find Black Friday deals. However, it is no understatement to say that in-person shopping is fading. The invention of the internet and the prominence of online websites such as Amazon and eBay have caused many people to start shopping online from their comfort of their own homes. Add the coronavirus pandemic to the mix, and even the most dedicated in-person shoppers are mostly shopping online. Additionally, record levels of COVID-19 cases are being reported, which could mean that many stores are closed due to the potential of lockdown protocols.
So, with Black Friday right around the corner, what are stores and companies doing to try and lure shoppers into their stores? One common practice that many companies are implementing is a heavy discount on items online and in-store for a month.
Home Depot is extending Black Friday savings to last from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2. Additionally, users with the Home Depot app were able to get discounts a week early.
This is one of their plans to “reinvent” this important day for profits. According to an article by Parija Kavilanz from CNN, “Home Depot, in a statement on its website, said it decided to “reinvent” Black Friday this year in order to reduce stress for consumers who typically rush to stores in droves to grab the best deals.” Kavilanz continues, saying, “Given the pandemic, the company indicated that maintaining safety was also a factor in its decision.” As is the case with almost all businesses, the company is promoting social distancing for those shopping in stores. Home Depot is also following the advice of industry watchers, who are saying that Black Friday is getting more and more unpopular with potential customers.
Some companies, such as Walmart, are trying to encourage online shopping for Black Friday this year due to the pandemic. In an article by USA Today, “Scott McCall, Walmart U.S. executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said… that more online offers makes for a ‘safer and more convenient way to shop’ and helps manage in-store traffic.” Walmart is also remaining closed on Thanksgiving this year, which is the first time in many years they are closed for the holiday. Like many stores, Walmart is also promoting curbside pickup for those who want to pick up their purchases in-person, according to Black Friday.com.
I feel that this promotion of online shopping will benefit but also potentially hurt the profits of these companies. I feel that more people will be inclined to shop online this year from the comfort (and safety) of their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I feel that this could backfire for some companies, as people may choose to browse a website that has the cheapest prices, like Amazon, over their (the company’s) own site.
In terms of safety, I feel that it is up to the individual to decide whether they shop in-person or online. They know the potential risks of shopping in-person during this pandemic, and I think it is important for people to decide how they shop for themselves.
I will not be shopping during Black Friday this year. I usually do not go out on Black Friday anyway, so the threat of the pandemic did not influence this decision. If there was something that I wanted or needed to buy, I would shop in-person and try and find it.
Black Friday is a vital source of income for many corporations. With the rise of online shopping and the COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging the nation, businesses are trying to figure out how to attract customers their stores and websites. Companies, such as Home Depot are extending Black Friday deals to last an entire month. Others, such as Walmart, are promoting online shopping. For those who want to shop, I feel that individual people should make the decision to shop in-person or online. Only individuals can weigh the risks and benefits of shopping during a pandemic.
