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Online, in store, shoppers weigh risks before purchasing gifts
While many kept the Black Friday tradition alive, others turned to the computer to get their Christmas shopping started.
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While many kept the Black Friday tradition alive, others turned to the computer to get their Christmas shopping started.
WHEN A STRONG SYSTEM ARRIVES. IT WILL BRING AROUND THE THUNDERSTORMS. I WILL HAVE THE TIMELINE. >>> ANOTHER THANKSGIVING IS OVER. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE IS GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPREE. MANY PEOPLE BRAVE THE CROWDS TODAY WHILE OTHERS STAYED AWAY. WE DID SOME RESEARCH ON HOW PEOPLE ARE COPING WITH THE PANDEMIC CHALLENGES. >> Reporter: 'TIS THE SEASON FOR DEALS. AS THE DAY WENT ON, CROWDS FORMED AT CRABTREE VALLEY MALL FOR A TRADITIONAL BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING. WELL, PANDEMIC STYLE. >> I'M WEARING A FACE SHIELD AND TWO MASKS. >> Reporter: OTHERS ARE LEAVING THE CROWDS BEHIND. >> THIS YEAR, PROBABLY A LITTLE MORE ONLINE, FOR SAFETY. I DON'T LIKE BEING IN CROWDS. >> Reporter: IT IS WHAT THE CDC RECOMMENDS. AVOIDING CROWDS AND STAYING HOME. EXPERTS SAY 80% OF SHOPPERS WILL PULL UP WEBSITES INSTEAD OF PULLING UP TO THE MALL. >> I DON'T WANT TO BE AROUND PEOPLE RIGHT NOW. JUST MY FAMILY. >> YOU CAN PUT EVERYTHING IN YOUR CAR IN ONE SPOT AND IT COMES TO YOUR DOOR. IT IS REALLY SIMPLE. >> Reporter: WITH RECORD- BREAKING TRAFFIC EXPECTED FOR ONLINE SHOPPING, THERE ARE SOME TIPS. STICK TO STORES YOU KNOW AND TRUST. MAKE SURE TO CHECK RETURN POLICIES AND SHIPPING PRICES WHICH CAN MAKE THEM MORE EXPENSIVE. AND, CREATE A BUDGET. MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE. >> I JUST DID A COUPLE OF QUICK PHONE CALLS AND IT IS DONE. >>> IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A LIST OF BEST DEALS FOR CYBER MONDAY, WE HAVE ONE ON OUR WEBSITE AT WRAL.COM. >>> FOR MORE THAN ONCE, 700 SHOPPERS ATTENDED THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS KERNERSVILLE A BIT. EVENT IS HOSTED IN A 90,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY WHICH ALLOWS UP TO 2300 SHOPPERS ALL WHILE FOLLOWING THE CDC AND STATE CAPACITY GUIDANCE. BOTH ATTENDEES AND VENDORS HAVE BEEN HONORING ALL THE ROLES. VENDOR SAY THE MEASURES MADE THE EXPERIENCE BOTH SAFE AND ENJOYABLE. >> THEY WIDENED THE AISLE. THEY LIMITED THE VENDORS TO 190 THIS YEAR INSTEAD OF 250. THEY HAVE TAKEN EVERY SAFETY PROTOCOL THEY COULD PUT IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE THIS IS A SAFE EVENT FOR PEOPLE.