How To Shop And Stay Safe This Black Friday

Black Friday is any day now, but some people are already way ahead of the game. 189 million shoppers celebrated Black Friday in 2019, but how many will participate this year with COVID-19? If you are a traditional shopper, here's how Black Friday will look this year and how you can stay safe.

Admit it, you and your mom make it tradition to get on line at Best Buy Thursday night after cutting the turkey. Committed shoppers (use to) line up and camp out for the best tech, fashion, and gift deals right after dinner or in the early morning. The risk of that is getting trampled or fighting over a 50% off flatscreen. However, Black Friday 2020 has new dangers. While some people are still considering going to the stores, the CDC says Black Friday shopping is a very risky activity in spreading coronavirus and you should avoid it. So how do you get that new coat you wanted? Or air fryer?

This year major sales have already started in anticipation of the big bargain day. To lessen the usual mobs on Black Friday, stores have spread out deals since last week and plan to extend them into next. Taking safety precautions for employees and shoppers, your favorite stores like Target and Walmart will be closed Friday but have already been promoting deals. Stores like Lowe's are also giving incentives to stay home Black Friday by offering free shipping on orders over $45. You don't have to go to the crowded store for a Christmas tree this year- just order it online!

Not a fan of online shopping and still want to experience Black Friday? Some stores will open their doors, but there are restricted hours and guidelines. Stores like Apple, Gap, and Ikea will have varying times so call your location to see when they're opening. Your favorite place to get gingerbread scented soap and champagne candles (aka Bath & Body Works) will open at 6 a.m. Friday. For tech and appliances, you can shop at Best Buy from 5 a.m to 10 p.m. Need cute Christmas decorations? HomeGoods will be open 8 a.m to 9 p.m. You can also score the best deals at Kohl's, Macy's, and Nordstrom throughout the day. But how do you shop safely this year?

If you like avoiding people at all times, why surround yourself with a crowd of strangers at the store? This Black Friday the safest and most anti-social way to shop is online. You don't even have to leave your bed. What's better than that? There are plenty of online deals so you definitely won't miss out.

If you decide to shop in person, don't just go to the store just to get out and browse. Know why you're going and what you came for. Early Christmas shopping? Need new clothes? Pre-plan what you want by looking online and then write a list. Don't roam every aisle just to get steps in. Get in and out. Try to limit your time in the store and ask for help if you can't find something.

Wearing a mask/face covering is important in decreasing the spread of germs and COVID. In a store try to social distance, but if you come close to someone protect yourself and them by wearing a mask. Most stores require customers to wear masks before entering, so don't forget it at home. Bring an extra to be safe!

To avoid huge crowds, shop at your local small businesses. While there is Small Business Saturday, see if any local boutiques or stores are having Black Friday deals. The crowds could be smaller than at big stores and social distancing may be stricter.

Call the stores you plan to shop in or look online at their safety procedures. With COVID, stores might change their hours and limit how many customers can come in at a time. Check before you go because you don't want to be waiting online in the cold for 3 hours. See if they even offer curbside delivery to make the process quicker and safer.

Black Friday will definitely look different this year, but there will still be plenty of deals and full shopping carts.