Bye-bye Black Friday: Pandemic changes holiday shopping

Black Friday is our national shopping holiday, but because of COVID-19, it looks very different this year. Some retailers started their sales weeks ago and will soon wrap up, and for the first time in years, most retailers won’t be open Thanksgiving Day.

Because sales are underway, experts say if you want a specific gift, order it online now before they run out.

Apps are a good way to help you keep track of sales on hot items.

Shop Savvy helps you find the lowest price locally on gift items, and Coupon Cabin is a coupon and cashback app. Members can search for offers and earn up to 10% cash back on online purchases.

You can also avoid sticker shock at the register with Discount Calculator, an app that figures the real prices for all of your items, including store discounts and applicable sales taxes.

Also, it’s important to be aware of hoaxes on Cyber Monday and holiday sales. If they seem too good to be true, think twice about putting in your credit card information. State Attorney General Ashley Moody just released her “Holiday Consumer Protection Guide” with some helpful information on keeping you and your money safe this holiday season.