It’s been a long year with the pandemic impacting every aspect of our lives. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs, and sales have reached an all-time low for many businesses.
Is it time to cancel holiday shopping? The fear of contracting COVID-19 has kept shoppers out of the stores throughout the spring and summer.
However, sales this holiday season are still expected to spike 1-1.5%. So, what does this mean for shoppers and retailers as the holiday season looms? Below is some helpful information about holiday shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Will Holiday Shopping Look Different This Year?
The global pandemic has reshaped every phase of American life, and this holiday season will be no different. Store closures, stay-at-home orders, and financial constraints are some factors that will impact holiday shopping this year. Here’s how the holiday season may be different during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Less Holiday Traveling, More Small Gatherings
After decades of spending money on traveling to see friends and family for the holidays, gift-givers are more likely to stay home. Expect small family and friend get togethers or for gifts to be sent by mail or skipped altogether.
Pop-up of Outdoor Markets
Retailers have heavily invested in building up their online platforms, and they will look to create ways to safely accommodate customers who want to purchase in person. Similarly, parking lots, sidewalk stalls, and outdoor markets are likely to rise in many U.S. cities in the coming weeks as retailers search for ways to imitate the in-store experience in lower-risk settings.
Closed on Thanksgiving
After decades of starting Black Friday sales early, some of the country’s largest retailers have plans to close on Thanksgiving. Walmart was the first to announce that all its U.S. stores will be closed during this holiday for the first time in more than 20 years. This year’s pandemic is changing shopping traditions with more people shopping online than ever.
Holiday Sales Start Early
Retailers are likely to start rolling out deals earlier this year, even before Halloween. Holiday sales are likely to kick off in October and extend through mid-January, while retailers race to make up sales during the all-important fourth quarter. This three-month period can boost a business’s annual sales by 30 to 40%.
Amazon postponed its Prime Day Sale in July and moved it to October, which is likely to put more pressure on competitors and could lead to the best holiday offers ever.
Best Ways to Find Holiday Deals Online at Home
Shopping online but not sure if you’ll get the best deals? Here’s some guidance to help you find great deals online.
1. Leave a Full “Shopping Cart”
When you find a product you want to purchase, place them in your cart. Consider not buying immediately; some online platforms might remind you about a pending purchase and give you a one-time discount code.
2. Check for Discount Codes
If the cart trick fails, search one of these coupon code sites to find a current discount code. This can be daunting, but it could save you money.
3. Image Search Your Product
When you find an item online, consider putting the image into a , which could show you some cheaper options and may help you determine if the product meets your expectations.
4. Sign Up for Mailing Lists
Many sites come with a pop-up requesting you to join their mailing list. Consider signing up because stores often send special offers to their subscribed members.
5. Check Out Social Media
Your favorite store is likely to have a social media presence. When shopping, check their page first to see if there are any special sales. If not, search their tagged section. Many retailers use influencer marketing to sell their commodities at discounted prices.
Personal loans for the holiday season from Mariner Finance
Need a loan to help with holiday expenses? A personal loan could come in handy to cover costs.
Apply for a personal loan for this holiday season, from the comfort of your home.
