7 replies to this topic

[Brad]

So now that we're past BF 2020 and have a little more of an idea how things will go with vaccines, etc., what are your predictions for Black Friday 2021?

 

Will we go right back to 2019-style shorter 1-3 day sales or will the week-long sales continue?

 

Will any major store use the Target/Walmart plan of having multiple "BF" sales during November?

 

Will the controversial Thanksgiving Day openings be back for the major stores?

 

Will all those new online BF shoppers this year continue to do that in future years?

 

How do you think the deals will compare with this year?

[Kanyon71]

I think you're going to see the multi week sales again.

 

I'm not sure on the being open on Thanksgiving again or not, I think that will depend upon the $ they made this year with it all online vs what they made the previous year. I think that will just come down to which way showed more profit for the store/brand. If not paying all those people holiday pay saved them money and they pulled the same or more profits then it's probably gone.

 

I think a lot of people will continue shopping online in the future especially if they continue the multi week sales.

[jesusluvu]

I think a least for next year there will be a multi week plan as the pandemic will still be fresh in the minds of everyone. I do not think that they will be open on Thanksgiving either. I feel like we are in uncharted territory and it is a roll of the dice as to what may be instore for next year. I think the pandemic has open the eyes of many and the status quo may not be as acceptable as it use to be especially when it comes to family time and gatherings. What we use to take for granted will now be appreciated more in my opinion.    The big question I have is will all the stores be around next year. The holiday sales that many count on to get through the first half of the year will not be there due to the pandemic. I see a lot of stores switching to an online only model and abandoning the brick and Mordor. Either way, Lord willing I will be here, all through the year, as it unfolds in real time. 

[freesia39]

I really see the multi-week sales returning next year - it spreads out demand, and while it drives bargain hunters crazy as they are unsure if they are getting the best deal, it does keep the customer engaged. 

[Kash]

I think if they get the hang of it, like some like Kohl’s have for awhile, the multi sales will continue. If done right they can grow their sales as it may entice people to buy more for a longer period of time. Staying closed on Thanksgiving is a 50/50 in my opinion.

[momlori]

Wishing they would stay closed on Thanksgiving but thinking several well be open trying to recoup what was lost this year. I do agree that there will be more multiple sales this coming year because it worked well for the retailers

[stevierocks]

i think its all about the mighty dollar. so yes stores will likely offer pre-black friday sales. but hold off special sales for black Friday.  and i really wish for the covid scare to be way over by then!!! 

i have done quite A bit of on line shopping in the last so i know i will continue. but i am sure i will add back in the brick and mortar shopping. !!!

[lucyismycat]

I'm probably in the minority, but I'm hoping the Thanksgiving night sales come back.  I didn't do any BF shopping this year because I was traveling with my son to a sports tournament - we left Friday morning. I didn't make time to track down any online sales, and I didn't really get into the sales weeks prior to BF.  I felt they were confusing (will item X be offered online or in store only, or both?) and not very good deals in a lot of instances.  I think 2020 was just a bust for me in regards to BF shopping.  Hopefully 2021 is a little more "normal".

 

I did see where Macys is closing another 45 stores this year.  My mom and I can't believe that the one in our local mall is still open. We have done our best to keep them in business, but they have huge gaps of open space where there is no product whatsoever in the store.  I suspect ours is on the chopping block. This makes me wonder what other big stores aren't going to be around for BF 2021.