TULSA, Okla. — Local stores are gearing up for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
"I’m hopeful, but there’s a lot of anxiety," said Angelene Wright, owner of Ida Red General Store. "Just not knowing what to expect and how to handle the crowds.”
This year’s big weekend is more important than ever as stores closed for a couple of months this spring due to COVID-19. The pandemic is causing many shops, like Ida Red, to shift how they do business.
“A big change that we’ve done is just grow our online presence and our online store just every day," Wright said. "I think we’ve added like 50 new products lately. Just so that if you want to stay home and shop you can do that.”
Many shops will be putting out extra hand sanitizer, asking customers to wear masks and limiting the number of people inside.
Black Sheep Boutique, located at The Farm Shopping Center in Tulsa, is also making it easier for customers who don’t want to risk the crowds.
“For those that don’t feel comfortable coming in, we accommodate them online," Kuske said. "We have local delivery within five miles of the store. We do in-store pick up. We’ll do free shipping over $50.”
Local businesses are asking you to support them, and in turn, support the community.
“Right now it’s critical because, you know, your small business, we support charities and fundraisers and super involved in our community so it’s good that people are coming in to support us right now too," Kuske said.
“Whatever your favorite local shop is, go spend, you know, 20 bucks, 50 bucks," Wright said. "Make a point at a local store.”
A lot of stores, big and small, are also spreading out their deals throughout the month. So, if you’re not comfortable going out this weekend, there will be more deals later on.
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