Black Friday usually has shoppers filling the stores trying to get the best deals. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the shopping experience totally different.

Some say it’s for the better.

Shoppers at Big Lots in Liverpool took their time, looking around, and enjoying the quiet atmosphere.

“It’s been pretty easy, because there are not as many crowds,” said Tom Hayden. “We did some online and came out today, because it’s not very crowded. It’s nice and smooth and easy.”

Normally, workers would be overwhelmed helping endless amounts of customers, but COVID-19 restrictions changed the retail strategies for bigger stores.

Big Lots is expanding Black Friday deals to four days instead of one.

“I do like the spaced-out foot traffic that’s happened this year,” said Liverpool Big Lots manager Beau Sickler. “It’s made things much more manageable, even just in a normal day basis. You’re able to get more done having the foot traffic spread out for the holiday season.”

The retailer has also added more stock online to appeal to those who aren’t able to shop in-person or aren’t comfortable heading to the store.

Some say this year, of course, just isn’t the same.

“Not in it as much. I don’t have the feeling as much,” said shopper Betty Maxam. “I feel like COVID’s taken away a lot, but I’m trying to be in the sprint.”​