Florida police search for brazen thief who stole armfuls of merchandise on Black Friday
HIALEAH, Fla. — Police in South Florida are searching for a man who grabbed as much as he could from a department store and walked out the door. Photos show the man dragging dozens of bags and other items out of a Burlington in Hialeah on Black Friday. Watch: Motorcyclist killed by wrong-way driver in hit-and-run crash in Orange County, troopers sayOfficers said they also have a clear shot of the man’s face and a video of his car. Florida police search for brazen thief who stole armfuls of merchandise on Black FridayWatch: ‘Help catch a killer’: Murder suspect captured on surveillance in Orange County, deputies sayPolice didn’t reveal the value of the items he stole. Florida police search for brazen thief who stole armfuls of merchandise on Black FridayRead: ‘I would do it again’: Man, 21, confessed to stabbing mother to death, Osceola County deputies sayClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comWalmart saw a big dip in customers shopping at its stores on Black Friday this year, study finds. Instead, they may have been flocking to the retailer's website.
Shoppers just aren't flocking to stores like they used to for Black Friday. And the world's largest retailer experienced that firsthand this year.
news.yahoo.comBlack Friday deals continue today: Save big on Apple Watches, Razor Scooters and NBA pro gear
If you've not yet taken advantage of Walmart's amazing Deals for Days sales this season, now's your chance. The deals continue to be so good, in fact, that you'll want to keep some things for yourself! Today's epic sales will save you hundreds on top brands like Apple and Razor. Engadget's tech experts curated the best deals on highly-rated electronics for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Learn about Black Friday trends on In the Know, and our car experts at Autoblog are covering must-shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday auto deals.
wftv.comCentral Florida law enforcement working to help keep holiday shoppers safe
ORLANDO, Fla. — Law enforcement in Orange County wants you to be safe while you shop. People need to remember to lock car doors, hide valuables and call for help if they see something suspicious. Photos: Central Florida law enforcement working to help keep holiday shoppers safeExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Central Florida law enforcement working to help keep holiday shoppers safeWatch: Black Friday shoppers line up in search of big deals in Central FloridaThere will be extra deputies and officers patrolling malls and shopping centers. Read: Black Friday 2022: What time does Macy’s, Walmart, Best Buy, Kohls and others open Friday? Officers will be in uniform and in plainclothes, as part of what they’re calling “Operation Safe Holiday.”Read: Heading to the airport this holiday weekend?
wftv.comIconic Sony noise-cancelling headphones just dropped to $68 — save 55% Black Friday
Sony headphones are on mega sale right now for Black Friday over at Amazon! The wildly popular wireless Sony WH-CH710N Noise-Cancelling Headphones — down to just $68, a sweet 55% off as part of the retailer's Black Friday sale. "The Sony headphones are perfect. Shop the top Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals on Yahoo Life. Learn about Black Friday trends on In the Know, and our car experts at Autoblog are covering must-shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday auto deals.
wftv.comHow long do Thanksgiving leftovers last? Turkey, dressing, pie safety tips
Here’s a guide to Thanksgiving leftovers:Turkey: Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigeration for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to four months. Dressing/stuffing: Like turkey, if stored properly, stuffing or dressing will be safe to eat for three to four days after cooking. It will last for about a month if stored properly in the freezer. Pies: Pumpkin pie will be good in the refrigerator for four days and the freezer for two months. Apple pie should be eaten by three days, but can stay in the freezer for two months.
wftv.comBlack Friday shoppers line up in search of big deals in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — Shoppers were out early at their favorite stores hoping to find big shopping deals on Black Friday. Despite inflation, experts predict shoppers will spend big this year. Photos: Black Friday shoppers line up in search of big deals in Central FloridaExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Black Friday shoppers line up in search of big deals in Central FloridaChannel 9 was invited into Orlando Premium Outlets to get an inside look at crowds lining up to shop. Florida retailers think we will see between a 6% and 8% increase in shoppers over 2021. Watch: Central Florida residents get ready for Black Friday shopping this yearAccording to the Florida Retail Federation, more than two-thirds of people will be shopping this weekend.
wftv.comTarget already planning on no Thanksgiving Day shopping for 2021
FILE - In this Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 file photo, people walk through the parking lot at a Target store in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)It’s not even Valentine’s Day and Target is already making 2021 holiday plans. The retailer announced it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day again. Target and other retailers were closed this past Thanksgiving to help reduce crowds and flatten the curve amid the coronavirus pandemic. Target also announced its holiday sales for November and December were up more than 17% from the year before.
Retail sales fell 1.1% in November, biggest drop in 7 months
U.S. retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 1.1% in November, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. The Commerce Department on Wednesday also revised October’s report, saying that retail sales fell 0.1% that month, instead of rising 0.3% as it previously reported. Economists expect retail sales to fall again this month as virus cases spike and states add more restrictions. “It will take a miracle to keep retail sales positive in December," said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at global financial group MUFG. The few bright spots were online sales, which rose 0.2%, supermarket sales, up 1.9%, and sales at home improvement stores, which were up 1.1%.
Amazon sales surge during record-breaking 2020 holiday shopping season
All rights reserved)Amazon is reporting record-breaking sales over the holiday shopping season so far. The company said on Tuesday that this year’s holiday shopping season has been its largest. Amazon said small and medium-sized businesses that use the platform took-in nearly $5 billion between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a 60% jump from last year. The firm says sales grew 22% for the period from Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday. Analysts say it is evident that the pandemic is leading more people to shop online.
Black Friday sees record online as US shoppers stay home
Black Friday online sales hit a new record this year as pandemic-wary Americans filled virtual carts instead of real ones. Consumers spent an estimated $9 billion on U.S. retail websites on Black Friday, according to Adobe Analytics, which tracks online shopping. Field said stores may be rethinking the cost of paying employees and opening on Thanksgiving when they could easily make up for those sales online. Adobe expects Monday to be the largest online sales day in U.S. history, with estimated spending of $10.8 billion to $12.7 billion. One reason for the big numbers is that people are shopping online for things such as groceries and alcohol that they bought in person before the pandemic, Adobe said.
Leesburg encouraging people to shop local with ‘Plaid Friday’
LEESBURG, Fla. – In downtown Leesburg, instead of Black Friday, they’re calling it Plaid Friday, encouraging people to shop local. “It’s been quieter, but we still have customers that are faithful,” said Dell Ross, owner of Doggibags Boutique. [TRENDING: Trump says he will leave if ... | Tropics still bubblin’ | Disney to lay off thousands more workers]Doggibags Boutique has been in downtown Leesburg for nearly 40 years. Leesburg is encouraging people to shop local through the "Plaid Friday" event. (WKMG 2020)Outside her shop, vendors are setting up for the Christmas Stroll event with live music and activities.
Shoppers line up days ahead in hopes of buying PS5 gaming systems
Shoppers in Central Florida are seeing a much different Black Friday experience as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes for holiday shopping this year. Most stores remained closed on Thanksgiving and spread-out deals to avoid large crowds. Many stores eliminated or reduced the number of doorbuster sales and limited the number of people allowed inside. “I was kind of shocked about that, but then again it was expected because a lot of people lost their jobs.”Some shoppers remained outside the store and instead opted for curbside pickup. Despite the concerns and financial strain on many families, the National Retail Federation expects holiday shopping to increase by as much as 5%.
Florida police called to GameStop for Black Friday line cutter
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was twice called to a GameStop at River City Marketplace for a man accused of disrupting the Black Friday line outside the store, WJXT-TV reported. The next time the man showed up, his family came with him, witnesses said. Then he, three more adults and three kids tried to claim the spot in line where the chair was originally left, they said. He was just asked to leave, he had his kids here with him.” said Josh Lebeque, who was waiting outside the store. People in line say they were waiting for the Black Friday sale of the new Xbox and PlayStation.
The Latest: Illinois surpasses 12,000 deaths from COVID-19
(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois has risen above 12,000 deaths from COVID-19, while also surpassing the 700,000 mark for confirmed coronavirus infections. The Health Department said the situation constituted an “alert,” and said that nationwide, infections had risen by over 8% last week. Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech have asked the FDA to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The state health department reported 5,704 new cases on Friday, putting the state at 3,476 deaths and 295,001 cases since March. ___TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he expects more than half of Canadians to receive a COVID-19 vaccine by next September.
Virus keeps Black Friday crowds thin, shoppers shift online
Black Friday shoppers wear face masks as the leave Saks Fifth Avenue flagships store empty handed, Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, in New York. Crowds at stores were dramatically diminished as shoppers shifted online. Black Friday is projected to generate $10 billion in online sales, a 39% bump from the year ago period, according to Adobe. And Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, will remain the biggest online shopping day of the year with $12.7 billion in sales, a 35% jump. At a popular shopping area in St. Petersburg, Florida, several storefronts were empty, and the only line was at a plasma donation center.
Many Central Floridians opt out of in-person Black Friday shopping
Across the region, most stores were empty and shuttered on Thanksgiving, a stark contrast to years prior when the deep discounts began on Turkey Day. He and several others said braving the Black Friday crowds just isn’t worth it this year. Last year, shoppers in Central Florida lined up hours early and many stores were even open on Thanksgiving Day. This year, many stores were closed on Thanksgiving since there won’t be as many customers. “That’s why I wanted to be here first and not crowded with a bunch of people.”For information on which stores will be open on Black Friday, click here.
Universal Orlando offers families limited time Black Friday deal with up to 40% off
ORLANDO, Fla – Usually Black Friday is packed with deals on TVs, clothing and stocking stuffers, but now families can grab a discounted vacation package from Universal Orlando Resort. The theme park is set to offer its best vacation package ever on Friday. The entire deal is valued at $2,154 but Universal said families that book can save as much as $1,292, based on a family of four. The incredible deal is limited in quantities and Universal stresses it will sell out fast. Universal is also offering Florida residents a limited time offer, which includes savings up to $100 on select annual passes until Dec. 17.
France postpones 'Black Friday' to help locked-down shops
The approach of “Black Friday," originally scheduled for Nov. 27 in France, had brought the dilemma to a head. The director of Amazon France, Frederic Duval, told France Info radio on Friday before the meeting that the e-commerce distributor was ready to sign up to a delay. The delay applies only to Amazon France, he added. “If we can’t open our shops for Christmas it will be very difficult for the sector,” she said. “There are already a lot of flower shops that suffer greatly so, today, we need help and coherence.”
These retailers are staying open on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day will certainly be different for some amid the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing precautions have caused some families to cancel holiday meals or adjust the way in which they gather. [TRENDING: Disney World increasing capacity | 250,000 space fans to drive near Cape for launch | Meteor shower coming soon]Retailers have also adjusted to the current times and many have elected to stay closed on Thanksgiving Day when normally they would be pushing Black Friday deals early. However, there are still a group of stores that have chosen to stay open on the holiday, according to BlackFriday.com. Here are the stores staying open on ThanksgivingBass Pro Shops: Opens at 8 a.m.Bealls: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Big Lots: Open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.Cabela’s: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Claire’s: Open from 5 p.m. to midnightCVS: 24-hour locations openDollar General: Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Family Dollar: Open but hours vary by storeFive Below: Open from 6 p.m. to midnightFred Meyer: Normal hours of operationKmart: Open from 6 a.m. to midnightMeijer: Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Modell’s: Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.New York & Company: Opens at 6 p.m.Palais Royal: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Peebles: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Rite Aid: 24-hour locations are openStage Stores: Open from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.Victoria’s Secret: Select stores are openWalgreens: 24-hour locations are open
Lowe’s holiday deals kick off Thursday
Halloween is not even here yet, and Lowe’s is already kicking off its Christmas holiday shopping specials. The home improvement chain is starting its new “Seasons of Savings” sale Thursday. The big-box retailer believes the holiday shopping season this year will be unlike any other because of the pandemic. Instead of a traditional Black Friday sale, Lowe’s will offer daily online-only “cyber steals” starting Thursday through Dec. 2. The home improvement chain is also planning to offer gifts you might not expect from them, to become more of a one-stop shop for the holidays.
Walmart spreading Black Friday deals throughout November
Millions of shoppers look forward to Black Friday deals each year, but the long lines and packed stores won’t be happening in 2020 -- at least not at Walmart. Walmart says it wants to adapt to the needs of its customers, so instead of one deal-filled day after Thanksgiving, there will be events throughout November. The company is calling the event Deals for Days. Walmart says shoppers will also be able to buy online and schedule a contact-free curbside pick up. The retailer says it will limit the number of people inside, stress social distancing and place products on one side of the aisle.
Walmart to spread out deals to avoid Black Friday crowds
NEW YORK – Walmart says it will spread out its traditional one-day Black Friday deals over three weekends in November in an effort to reduce crowds in its stores during a pandemic. The discounter, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, will kick off the deals online Nov. 4, with new deals in stores on Nov. 7. The second event will begin online Nov. 11, followed by a similar sales event in stores Nov. 14. It will wrap up its discounts online Nov. 25 with new discounts in stores Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving and the traditional Black Friday. This holiday season, many stores are starting their holiday deals in October.
Pandemic pushes start of holiday shopping earlier than ever
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)NEW YORK – Add last-minute holiday shopping to the list of time-honored traditions being upended by the coronavirus pandemic. Black Friday has long been the unofficial start to the U.S. holiday season, though retailers have been pushing holiday shopping earlier for the last decade or so. The first big holiday push will come from Amazon, which is positioning its mid-October Prime Day as a kickoff to the holiday shopping season. Even with the early start to the season, holiday sales are expected to deliver smaller gains than in recent years. Joel Bines, who runs the retail practice at AlixPartners, thinks the earlier shopping will stick even when the pandemic is over.