Black Friday Becomes Black November

Black Friday, which is known by many to be one of the biggest shopping days of the year, will look much different this year due to COVID- 19.

This year, many stores have decided to alter Black Friday, making it a month-long event called “Black November.”

According to WRAL TechWire, “Companies are hoping to avoid the rush of customers that crowd stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving by giving them more buying, pickup and delivery options.”

Some students say that the adjustments that have been made to Black Friday this year will not stop them from heading to the malls on Nov. 27.

“I’ve participated in Black Friday for about eight years and have always been willing to participate at any time, day or night,” said sophomore Helena Michell. “I think that this year I will still do some shopping in person but definitely not as much as I normally do.”

Due to the pandemic, other students have decided to shop solely online this year to avoid going to the stores.

“I think as much as I would like and prefer to shop in person, it’s not worth it with the current pandemic going on,” said junior Alana Proudian. “So I will definitely be participating in Black Friday online this year.”

Many stores, including Target, Walmart, Macy’s, and Bed, Bath and Beyond, have already started their Black Friday deals. In years past, Black Friday deals have started as early as Thanksgiving night. This year, stores like Target and Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving.

“I will be shopping online this year because I don’t want to risk getting COVID-19 and giving it to my friends and family,” said junior Kristine Hawkins. “I also think that it’s a good idea for big department stores to be closed on Thanksgiving day because this is supposed to be a day to spend with friends and family.”

Some students say that the Black Friday deals are an incentive to shop.

“I’m really happy that many department stores decided to have deals starting early November,” said junior Abby Radwasnski. “I’m more likely to shop if there is a sale going on.”

Although Black Friday this year is a month-long event, many stores will still be open on Nov. 27.

Junior Ryan Corbett, who is an employee at the department store Banana Republic, says he will be working on the busy shopping holiday.

“This year, I am working Black Friday from 7:00 a.m.-6:00p.m., and I am very excited because I love the energy of it all,” said Corbett. “Although this Black Friday is going to be different from years past, I feel like it’s still going to be successful because our store has taken a lot of precautions to keep our customers safe.”

Many realtors have also added their in-store sales online, which many students say is even more of a reason to stay home for the holidays and shop online to stay safe from COVID-19.

“I feel like it’s good that there are changes. Shopping in a giant crowded mall isn’t the best idea in a pandemic,” said senior Kaylin Ciesluk. “If anything, I’ll do some online shopping.”

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