Walmart to avoid Black Friday crowds by offering month-long deals

Images of crowds fighting over discounted goods are synonymous with Black Friday sales, but this year stores are legally required to ensure social distancing and extra customer safety measures as the pandemic ensues.

Walmart is the first major retailer that has said it will prevent shoppers from crowing its stores by hosting separate sales events.

America’s largest retailer will offer deals throughout the month of November in lieu of the usual discount bonanza on the day after Thanksgiving. The sales will start online as early as Nov. 4 and move into the physical stores a few days later, reported the New York Post.

Walmart said it will spread out its Black Friday savings this year from one single day to three events to bring customers “Black Friday Deals for Days.”

While the move is meant to push shoppers online, customers who prefer to shop at a physical stores will be required to queue, with Walmart “Health Ambassadors” stationed at each entry to remind them to wear face masks.

Walmart says it will also limit the number of customers allowed inside to promote social distancing and guide shoppers down the right sides of aisles as they move through the stores.

““Customers trust Walmart to deliver an amazing Black Friday year after year. Although this year’s event looks different, our commitment to what our customers depend on us for – the absolute best prices of the season on hot gifts from top brands – hasn’t changed,” Scott McCall, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., said.

“I’m really excited that this year, when it matters most to our customers, we’re offering them more convenient and safer ways to shop Black Friday at Walmart, whether that’s from the shelf in one of our stores, ordering online and picking it up curbside or having it delivered right to their front door.”

Image via WalMart; article source: NY Post