The pandemic has played spoilsport to in-store sales including huge retail stores who have had to close down many iconic brick and mortar stores. However retailers with strong online business models have thrived way beyond expectations.

Traditionally, holiday shopping has revolved around Black Friday with stores offering huge discounts on this day. Queues of shopping waiting to enter stores stretch for miles and deals disappear within seconds as there’s a clamor to pick the best deals.

This year brick and mortar stores have suffered closure, both temporary and permanent due to the lockdown and dwindling footfalls. Large online retailers like Amazon and Walmart have had bullish sales and their sales figures have been breaking all records. Meanwhile brick and mortar stores have been transformed into fulfillment centers rather than department stores.

The trade group National Retail Federation said that about 59% holiday shopping began early November and a large part of this was online. They expect E-commerce sales to grow by 30% when compared with last year’s sales.

Stores are still hoping to get Black Friday crowds this year. Many large retail stores, like Walmart and Best Buy, who also have a robust online presence, are offering fantastic deals in stores. Shops are scheduled to open at 5am.

Holiday shoppers should also browse through smaller websites and online stores like iParis and organic greek to pick once in a year excellent deals.

Source NY Times