By: Gabe Woods

Stores and companies are gearing up across the country to prepare for their Black Friday events. These retailers get ready for their busiest day of the year, having some of the largest sales across many of their products. 

Even though almost all major retailers continue to have deals on Black Friday, the anticipation and participation of this day has drastically changed in recent years. Instead of lining up hours before stores open and fighting others for goods, people are using alternative methods to get the deals they want.

“Cyber Monday” has become a popular alternative to Black Friday. This is the Monday following Black Friday, this year on December 1. Many brands list their sales online, with the leftover stock they have from Black Friday. 

“I definitely think there are both positives and negatives to shopping in person and online,” senior Aly West said. “In person, you’re actually able to try on the item. Online you’re able to be more price conscious and get the better deal.” 

Apart from Cyber Monday, many brands have also started incorporating a Black Friday week, offering their deals throughout the entire week as opposed to sales falling on a single day. This has caused less of a crowd on a specific day, and spreads out the amount of customers in stores. 

“I’ve read that after COVID, a lot of businesses have moved away from just-in-time delivery with their suppliers,” business teacher Josh Craig said. “They favor a more steady, predictable demand versus a brief spike in demand.”

If you are still searching for in-person, notable deals, many brands still offer them in store. Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie are offering 40%-60% store wide. Alo Yoga, Aritizia, and Madewell are giving up to 40% off select items. 

Nearby malls like The Greene or Fairfield Commons have some stores like Anthropologie and Hollister that can provide good opportunities for good Black Friday deals. If you are looking for malls with a larger variety of stores and options, try Kenwood Towne Centre in Cincinnati or Easton Town Center in Columbus.