On Thanksgiving Day, malls and retailers are normally packed with long lines, but this year’s Thanksgiving Day has been totally different.
In Metro Detroit, most malls and retailers were closed for Thanksgiving Day shopping due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
However, some people were seen at the Meijer store in Allen Park, Michigan, shortly before it closed at 4 p.m. People grabbed a few Thanksgiving items, taking advantage of its day-before Black Friday buy-one-get-one for $1 deals.
James Cherman, manager of Meijer, said there were very few in-store shoppers Thursday than expected, predicting a long-lasting change in the industry.
He said, “This pandemic might change Black Friday for years to come. We’ll see how this weekend goes.”
Apple Wick, Marketing Director at Macomb Mall, Michigan, said comparing this year’s Thanksgiving to last year’s is almost impossible, as the COVID019 pandemic has affected all aspects of American life.
“Retailers have been preparing for this weekend and season since reopening from the lockdown in June,” Wick said. “Guests can expect to find retailers adhering to not only the State of Michigan mandates and CDC recommendations, but also that of their respective corporate guidelines and promoting a ‘shop smart, shop safe’ approach.”
“Many mall retailers have already rolled out Black Friday week and weekend sales and offers, straying from the traditional Thursday to Sunday deals,” Wick added.
Dan Jones, general manager of Twelve Oaks Mall, said it is difficult to predict Black Friday activity this year.
“People certainly have an appetite for shopping, but have more choices for ways to accomplish it,” Jones said. “At Twelve Oaks Mall, we have designated a number of close parking spaces at each of the entrances for a curbside pickup option.”
Matthew Craig, regional vice president of Meijer, said expanding Thanksgiving holiday sales to be a weeklong event was successful.
“We’re seeing a huge trend with outdoor decor, lights, firewood,” he said. “Also, parents want to make this Christmas special and are empathetic because of circumstances this year. People are buying more.”
Meanwhile, state officials have been urging Michigan residents to avoid crowds by shopping at local small retailers on Black Friday.
“Michigan businesses, being in a northern state, are at a disadvantage to expand outdoors this winter to accommodate social distancing and comply with health orders,” said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan.
“They are being creative with providing curbside pickups and personal shoppers, but they need help more than ever,” he added.
COVID-19 has affected more than 13 million Americans, killing over 269,000 so far. This news article was published in Detroit News.
