Meijer Maps Out Black Friday for 2020
Black Friday is becoming something different — and longer — during the pandemic, with Meijer among the latest retailers to show their hands when it comes to holiday deals for 2020.
Meijer has revealed a sneak peek at week-long holiday deals that will replace traditional Black Friday sales that its stores have offered in recent years. The ads are the latest in the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer's continued efforts to provide customers with opportunities to adjust their shopping strategies due to the pandemic.
The retailer said that sales will begin prior to Thanksgiving, beginning Sunday, Nov. 22, and extend through what is normally considered Black Friday weekend, Nov. 28. The week-long deals will include items featured as part of doorbuster and daily deals offered in previous years. Additionally, an annual Meijer customer favorite – Santa Bucks – will also be extended, offering customers week-long savings on two separate occasions during the holiday season.
"We've worked hard to provide a balance between great prices and the understanding customers will want options for how and when they will shop," said Peter Whitsett, EVP of merchandising and marketing for Meijer. "We hope this sneak peek gives shoppers plenty of time to plan ahead and be able to shop with social distancing in mind as they check items off their lists this year."
Whitsett added that the company has also enhanced its Meijer Mobile App to provide seamless access to weekly ads and sale items, as well as giving users the ability to shop its stores in multiple ways. Customers can use Shop & Scan for an easier checkout experience, or use the app to shop online and have their orders fulfilled for pickup or delivery. The company recently revealed that it now offers the service at no charge on orders of more than $50 and doesn't require membership. The pickup option offers the same as in-store pricing and access to weekly sales items.
Similarly, Dick's Sporting Goods recently said it was stretching out Black Friday in this year of the pandemic — and taking other steps to capture consumers’ holiday spending while keeping everyone safe. In addition to the high standard of in-store sanitation that Coraopolis, Pennsylvania-based Dick’s rolled out this past March, the use of enhanced technology will help customers enjoy an efficient shopping experience, including mobile checkout and return stations, as well as the recently introduced Dick’s Shop/Click/Pay app in select stores. The company has also revealed detailed plans to manage lines at its more than 800 stores nationwide.
