Walmart splits Black Friday deals into 3 events that take off online

For shoppers who can’t afford to break with black Friday traditions, Walmart said Wednesday that it still plans to hold in-store events that feature heavy discounts.

However, the holiday sales days will come with pandemic-related precautions. Shops will open at 5 AM local time. Clients must line up in one file before entering. The stores will limit the number of people inside. Staff will hand out sterile shopping carts. Some, called health ambassadors, will greet shoppers and remind them to wear a mask.

Walmart plans to take steps to discourage the crowd and push some online bargain hunters as well. The company said it will split Black Friday into three different holiday sales events, taking place over the course of November. Each website will start with their own website and hit stores after a few days.

Customers can also pick up their purchases from the store without having to go in through the use of the pier pickup.

Scott McCall, executive vice president and chief commerce officer at Walmart US, said the company wants to offer low prices, convenience and security – regardless of how customers choose to shop.

“We were very thoughtful as we planned for this year’s event,” he said in a press release. “By posting deals over multiple days and making our most important deals available online, we expect the Black Friday experience in our stores to be safer and more manageable for both our customers and partners.”

Walmart’s 1st Black Friday event will begin online on November 4 and in stores on November 7th and will feature games, electronics, and home products. The second event, which focuses on electronics such as TVs, smartphones, computers and tablets along with some items from other merchandise categories, will start online on November 11 and in stores November 14, and the third event will start online on November 25 and in stores on November 27. The second (November) – on the same day as your usual post-Thanksgiving shopping event. It will include a range of items from electronics and toys to seasonal clothing and decor.

Retailers have been wary about the holiday sales forecast, as they try to anticipate shoppers’ appetites to celebrate the season and exchange gifts during the global health crisis and recession. The National Retail Federation, which sets its forecast in early October, has yet to think twice.

However, Deloitte and Accenture have shared mixed photos of how the normally busy shopping period has ended. Deloitte expected the holiday retail sales It will increase between 1% and 1.5%But he said it would depend on how much wealthy Americans brag and how low-income families withdraw. Clients surveyed by Accenture, however, said they would Plan to spend an average of about $ 540 Almost $ 100 less than last year.

Major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy have tried to do so Encouraging customers to start holiday shopping earlier than usual By starting sales events in October. Walmart kicked off its “big savings event” on Sunday, just days before Amazon Prime Day starts Tuesday. The Walmart event runs through Thursday.