Retailers in Tuscaloosa have been preparing for this Black Friday (the official start of the holiday shopping season) for several months.

Although COVID-19 is still a problem, local companies expect strong sales this year and the shopping experience will be more like Black Friday in the past, as coronavirus cases have fallen, vaccination rates have risen, and mask requirements have been relaxed.

Kendall Thompson, retail director of Wagner's RunWalk, said that despite the pandemic, this running store had strong sales during Black Friday in 2020, and he expects more sales this year.

"Last year's Black Friday was one of the best Black Fridays we have seen. So we have a positive outlook for this year," Thompson said.

"The interesting thing is (in) the running store industry. Since the pandemic, we have seen a very big boost. People just want to go out and do some activities. So this actually helps our sales."

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According to the Alabama State Retail Association, holiday sales in Alabama may increase by double digits for the second year in a row. The association predicts that Alabamas will spend nearly $15 billion between November and December 2021.

Charles Spurlin, the owner and founder of the shirt shop at 525 Greensboro Avenue, is also optimistic about Black Friday sales, although he does have some concerns.

Most of the University of Alabama students will go home during the Thanksgiving holiday, which means that retailers in Tuscaloosa cannot rely on their purchasing power to boost Black Friday sales.

Spurlin also said that the absence of the Alabama-Auburn football game in Tuscaloosa this season may affect the Black Friday traffic in local stores. This year's Iron Bowl game will start at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn at 2:30 pm on Saturday.

"You know we are in football. We are in a football town and this year's Auburn-Alabama game will be held in Auburn. So this will affect Black Friday," Spring said.

Although Black Friday is always a big sales day, he said that Alabama football game day is the busiest and most successful shopping day in stores.

At the same time, Wagner's will experience its first Black Friday in a new location. In the spring, Wagner moved into a new downtown residence at 420 Queenstown Avenue.

"(Black Friday 2020)...We are in Midtown Village, so on Black Friday we did get a lot of walking traffic," Thompson said. "So it will be interesting to see if this (new location) will hurt us this year. But I do hope we still have a good season."

How to deal with shoppers’ concerns about the coronavirus will remain an issue for retailers. Both Thompson and Spurlin said that in their stores, masks will be optional.

Spring said: "If you are very worried and come here and wear a mask, we will wear a mask to show you that we will respect your position."

Thompson added that Wagner will continue its strict cleaning procedures to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

Thompson said: "We have hand sanitizer everywhere. We wipe the counter, wipe everything that anyone touches regularly throughout the day."

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Alex Gatewood, the owner and founder of the 2104 University Avenue locker room, told the Alabama Retail Association that the epidemic could make late shoppers difficult.

He said: "Order early or you won't be able to buy it this year," he said, referring to the lingering supply chain and transportation issues associated with the pandemic.