Shoppers in Aurora, Colorado, are reflecting on the changing trends of Black Friday and expressing that the deals are no longer worth the chaos and violence that used to accompany the shopping event. Despite the expected increase in holiday sales this year, with an estimated 182 million people planning to shop in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, shoppers at the Town Center at Aurora believe that the days of camping outside major retailers and fighting over sales may be behind us.
Some shoppers expressed that the deals this year weren't worth the brawl at the mall, and they could have easily purchased items online. However, there were still plenty of opportunities for savings at the mall, with Santa posing for pictures and local businesses like Local Love offering unique shopping experiences. Shoppers are becoming more informed and are checking prices and comparing before making a purchase. Many shoppers want to support their own community and local businesses, believing that spending money in their own city is important for overcoming the slow economy.
US retailers are going to great lengths to attract shoppers on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. They are offering deep discounts, extended store hours, and online deals to entice customers. This year, retailers are also focusing on safety measures due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many are implementing social distancing protocols, requiring face masks, and offering contactless payment options. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, retailers are optimistic about the holiday shopping season and are hoping to make up for lost sales earlier in the year. Black Friday is seen as a crucial day for retailers to boost their sales and attract customers, and they are pulling out all the stops to make it a success.
US retailers are expected to offer deeper discounts on Black Friday due to economic uncertainty caused by high inflation and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Retail Federation predicts that over 182 million consumers will shop in stores and online during the weekend, surpassing last year's level by 16 million. Experts recommend waiting until December for bigger markdowns. Hot items this holiday season include Lego, Hot Wheels, and Barbie. The NRF projects overall holiday sales growth of 3-4%, returning to pre-pandemic trends. However, interest rates remain high, and households have less excess cash due to the end of pandemic relief programs and the expiration of the student loan moratorium.
While big retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart thrive on Black Friday, advocates are encouraging shoppers to support local businesses. Small businesses play a crucial role in the local economy, reducing carbon footprint, and creating more local jobs. They also donate significantly more to local nonprofits than large retailers. In a podcast episode of Oregon On the Record, small retailers and organizations from western and central Oregon share their experiences, community contributions, and how they have overcome challenges in recent years. This highlights the importance of supporting local businesses on Black Friday and throughout the holiday season.
Retailers start preparing for Black Friday about a month in advance. They coordinate sales, inventory, and staff to accommodate early shopping. Safety and security are a top priority, with extra measures taken by the security team and collaboration with the local police department. [02286ccc]
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