Store owners expecting less shoppers for black Friday

Store owners expecting less shoppers for black Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic

To some and maybe not so surprising to others but shopping centers were not as filled with shopppers as they usually would be on black friday.

One store owner said he expected today to be a slow day.

"there was a line outside of our barnes crossing store when we first opened this morning."

However at the downtown location customers trickeled in and out.

Chairman of reeds clothing company jack reed jr said he expected black friday to be slower than the previous weeks.

"we're expecting honestly a good christmas business, it's just not going to be as lumped into this weekend.

Reed said because the pandemic they rolled out black friday sales early to give customers more time to shop for the hoidays.

Adding that by doing this customers could feel safer without feeling the need to pack the stores the day after thanksgiving.

"we're insisting on masks for customers and our staff for a sign of mutual respect."

Reed added that the size of his store allows more customers to safely shop at one time.

"we're fortunate enough to have a big enough store that we can have plenty of people in still be safe."

However local boutique la green is a bit smaller.

The manager, who did not want to go on camera, stated for the holiday shopping season they are trying to manage less than ten people in the store at once to ensure safety.

Just as in reeds masks are also required while shopping in other store here in the area this holiday season.

Reporting live in tupelo erin wilson wtva 9 news for the third day this