Stores are limiting holiday shopping crowds

AUSTIN, Texas — Stores across Austin are changing the way they do holiday shopping in order to limit crowds and rushes of people in the store at one time.

Black Friday is normally the day where shoppers rush to the stores to get their hands on the best deals. Now, businesses are trying to limit the large crowds and rushes. Key holder at United Apparel Liquidators, Juliano Nunez, said many stores have started posting their deals online, and the week before to divert the foot traffic. He said this year looked different inside the store.

“I believe it was only 50 to 70 people coming in and out,” he said. “Online, it was a lot. It was too much.”

Shoppers Savannah Smith and Kaila Wilke said they have started shopping online to avoid the crowds. Smith said when she shops in person for her holiday list, she chooses another day during the Thanksgiving week to shop because the deals are still going.

“I’m not worried about getting first pickings anymore. Instead, it’s just doing it to do it, and seeing what’s left,” she said. ” If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

ALSO:One person found dead in Lady Bird Lake near Downtown Austin

Wilke said she only shopped in person for the items that she couldn’t find online this year.

“I think it can get a little chaotic and hectic, and it’s just easier to find the sizes you need if you’re buying clothes or the items you need online.

According to Abode Analytics, $10.8 billion was spent nationwide online on Black Friday. They estimate total sales of $13.2 billion to be sold on Cyber Monday.

“Most of the time there will be something for sure because they’re always willing to do something on Cyber Monday,” Nunez said.