March 28, 2024
Local News

Retailers extend deals, offer contact-free options for holiday shopping season

From traveling to gathering with family and shopping for holiday gifts, the winter season's traditions are bound to look different this year.

A resurgence of COVID-19 brought with it renewed mitigations sure to affect the usual holiday shopping season, particularly for those small businesses recovering from earlier shutdown orders.

While several stores – both small and big-box – have chosen to close their doors on Thanksgiving, typical Black Friday and Small Business Saturday deals are likely to resume as usual, officials said.

While some businesses will be subject to tighter capacity limits, waiting in line is par for the course on any given Black Friday, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce President Molly Ostap said. This year, however, she hopes customers will be especially patient with their local retailers and take advantage of contact-free options.

"I do know that a lot of our local businesses have in-store specials, but they’ve also figured out ways to have some of those same deals available online," Ostap said.

About 59% of consumers have already started their holiday shopping, according to the National Retail Federation's November 2020 Consumer Holiday Survey.

Still, consumers, on average, have about 74% of their shopping left to complete. The NRF projects shoppers will spend an average $650 on gifts for friends, family and co-workers, on par with the $629 five-year average.

The most sought-after gifts include gift cards, clothing and accessories, books and media, electronics and home decor, according to the NRF. The federation expects $27.5 billion of spending on gift cards alone this season, the majority going toward restaurants and department stores.

“We know this holiday season will be unlike any other, and retailers have planned ahead by investing billions of dollars to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in an official statement. “Consumers have shown they are excited about the holidays and are willing to spend on gifts that lift the spirits of family and friends after such a challenging year."

COVID-19 has resulted in a huge shift toward online shopping for consumers aged 55 to 74. Nearly 45% reported that they're shopping online more as a result of the virus. That's a significant jump considering 82% of Baby Boomer-aged consumers usually make less than half of their purchases online, according to the NRF.

Delivery and in-store pickup options are also becoming increasingly popular, largely for convenience and safety reasons. Not only is it easier to social distance while picking up an item or having it delivered, but shoppers can receive their products more immediately all while avoiding shipping costs, according to the NRF.

Small businesses, too, have begun to implement pickup and delivery options.

Although Apple Creek Weddings co-owner Lynn Nattress doesn't have it in her budget to offer large Black Friday discounts, the Woodstock florist and gift shop will remain open for both walk-in customers and in-store-pickup or delivery.

"Our daily sales have maintained steady and our sale average has gone up some, so people are wanting to shop local and support so we’re grateful for that," Nattress said.

Small Business Saturday sales hit an all-time high last year with $19.6 billion in reported spending, according to American Express, which started the campaign in 2010.

This year's holiday shopping will be particularly important to small businesses. After suffering losses from the COVID-19 pandemic, 46% of small business owners are counting on above-average holiday sales to stay in business in 2021, according to American Express.

Luckily, consumers seem eager to shop local – 75% will spend their money at small businesses in an effort to support their favorite local bars, restaurants and retailers, according to American Express.

Shopping small could have its perks, too. Shoppers in McHenry can submit their receipt from a local restaurant, bar or retailer for the chance to win a gift card to a local business, Ostap said. Complete details about the promotion are available online at www.mchenrychamber.com.

Algonquin is offering a similar deal with its Shop Downtown Algonquin Sweepstakes, Algonquin Economic Development Planner Peggy Blanchard.

"Stroll through the old town downtown," Blanchard said. "Continue to carry out and order out from local restaurants and support as many local businesses as possible during this time from now until the holidays as you’re doing your holiday shopping."

In terms of planning ahead for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, shoppers should check individual store times before heading out.

Several big-box stores, including Walmart, Sam's Club, Best Buy and Target, will remain closed for Thanksgiving.

In consideration of in-store shopping restrictions brought on by COVID-19, however, many businesses – local and big-box – have extended their Black Friday deals throughout the month.

Walmart began its Black Friday deals on Nov. 4 online and Nov. 7 in stores. The company will announce additional deals on Friday, Nov. 27, according to its website.

Barnes and Noble also will close its doors on Thursday and reopen Friday with holiday-season deals, according to its website.

Top toys for girls this year include Barbies, Legos and "Frozen"-related toys, while boys hope to receive Legos, Hot Wheels and video games, according to the NRF.

"I understand that people are going to think of Amazon, but look local first," Ostap said. "That dollar or few extra dollars that people might spend goes a lot further when you shop local."

Katie Smith

Katie Smith

Katie reported on the crime and courts beat for the Northwest Herald from 2017 through 2021. She began her career with Shaw Media in 2015 at the Daily Chronicle in DeKalb, where she reported on the courts, city council, the local school board, and business.