CDC adds in-store, Black Friday shopping to high risk list for Thanksgiving

In a recent update to the coronavirus risk categories list as it related to virus transmission during holiday events, the Center for Disease Control has added in-person shopping around Black Friday to Thanksgiving’s high risk category.

Specifically, the CDC added “Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving” along with other high risk activities like attending crowded parades, participating in (or watching) crowded races, and attending large, indoor gatherings with family / friends.

Alternatively, the CDC recommends shopping online instead of going to a retail, brick & mortar location. In years past, online Black Friday sales typically kick off around 7 p.m. PT on the Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving. If you are diligent about shopping early, you can snag many deals before Thanksgiving even starts, leaving you to focus on eating as much turkey as humanly possible.

It’s also possible that you could finish off your holiday shopping in mid-October during Amazon Prime Day. Amazon will offer significant discounts on Oct 13 and 14. In addition, both Target and Walmart will be holding competing sales. It’s also likely retailer like Best Buy will get into the mix.

Retailers will also be spreading out sales throughout early November, attempting to snag the dollars of consumers who prefer to stay home this year and avoid stores completely.

It’s possible that retailers will come up with some form of voucher system for doorbusters this year, in an attempt to limit the number of people waiting at the door when the stores open. Of course, retailers could also just shift a larger portion of doorbuster inventory into the online space as well.

Most retailers have been quiet about Black Friday plans thus far, beyond announcing that retail locations will be closed on Thanksgiving this year. Expect to see press releases on how stores will be handling in-person visitors on Black Friday by the end of October.

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