Gone are the days when eager shoppers would push through physical barriers and crowds to snag their favorite items at unbelievable deals during the Black Friday event.
Black Friday Event: Walmart Employee Shares Perspective on the Evolving Nature of Black Friday (Photo: The Christian Science Monitor)
Black Friday Event Transforms into a Weeks-Long Shopping
In a data released by The US Sun, in November 21, 2023, a Walmart employee, speaking to Business Insider, expressed a sentiment increasingly echoed across the retail landscape – the Black Friday event after Thanksgiving seems like a non-event. What was once a chaotic in-store shopping spree has lost its significance in the eyes of many, and the digital age plays a pivotal role in this transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its public health measures and social distancing protocols, made traditional long lines impractical, leading consumers to turn to their smartphones and computers for their shopping needs.
As a result, companies adapted, taking advantage of the online space and discovering that not only could they replicate in-store sales, but in many cases, exceed them. The once-necessary in-store Black Friday event became obsolete as shoppers embraced the convenience and safety of online shopping. In response to the changing dynamics, most retailers, including the retail giant Walmart, have extended their Black Friday event sales into weeks-long events.
Walmart, for instance, organized two Black Friday events for customers, the first on November 8 and 10, and the second on November 22 and 24. Reflecting the digital shift, the second event starts early for Walmart+ members on November 22 at 12 pm ET, with non-members gaining access to the deals online at 3 pm ET. The in-store experience is still an option for those who prefer the traditional shopping spree, taking place on Friday.
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A Glimpse into Walmart’s Black Friday Extravaganza: Deals and Discounts Galore
According to the news reported by the Business Insider, moreover, this transformation is not limited to Black Friday event alone; it extends to Cyber Monday on November 26, offering shoppers a prolonged window to capitalize on major deals across various categories such as apparel, electronics, home goods, toys, and more. As retailers adapt to the evolving landscape, these extended sales events redefine the traditional concept of Black Friday.
Walmart, a retail behemoth, has not only embraced the digital shift but has also set the stage for a Black Friday event extravaganza with its two-event approach. The second event promises significant deals for both members and non-members, covering a wide array of products. Walmart+ members get an exclusive head start, highlighting the retailer’s commitment to its subscription service.
The deals extend beyond Black Friday into Cyber Monday, further blurring the lines between traditional shopping events. With major discounts across categories and the convenience of online shopping, Walmart’s Black Friday event exemplifies the industry’s adaptation to the new normal, where the digital realm takes center stage in the shopping experience.
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