Kim Fundingsland/MDN Retailers say they are facing some uncertainty due to COVID-19 as the Christmas shopping season gets underway.

For many retail businesses the Christmas shopping season provides a much-needed boost to their bottom line. This season, though, is off to a somewhat different start in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that has altered lives in many ways, including how people shop.

Even those people adhering to the wearing of masks and practicing social distancing are carefully considering where, when and how to shop. The swarms of shoppers that usually crowd stores on Black Friday, the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season, were obviously less than normal this year, sometimes much less.

“I think COVID is keeping people at home,” said Ryan Davy, manager, Home of Economy in Minot. “We did do Black Friday but business was probably down maybe 30%. The last few months we have a good day and the next day wonder why the doors are open. It’s really sporadic. Really different.”

Jen Slind, manager of Minot’s Arrowhead Ace Hardware, says Black Friday at that store was “good.” However, she added, other businesses said their sales were a little bit slower than usual and that COVID-19 has made things difficult.

“We’ve got that battle with staff scheduling and hours being changed. We’re at normal hours now and business has been fairly steady,” said Slind. “The weather has been nice and people have been decorating and putting up Christmas lights.”

Like many Minot merchants, Arrowhead Ace Hardware makes certain they have items that are not necessarily considered Christmas gifts but are in high demand during the winter months, such as snow shovels and snowblowers. Sales of those items are a boost for businesses but, at least so far this winter season, unseasonably nice weather has curtailed customers from making those purchases.

“A little snow wouldn’t hurt,” remarked Slind, adding she has enjoyed the pleasant start to our winter season as much as anyone.

Davy echoed Slind’s assessment, saying, “We would do a lot better with cold and snow with sales of clothes and snow shovels and such. It would do wonders for us. It is good for business.”

When asked about on-line shopping, which economic forecasters say should see a big increase this season due to COVID-19 concerns, Slind said, “As far as local, you always hope people are coming out shopping, hoping they spend their money in town.”

At Gourmet Chef in downtown Minot, owner Denise Lindbo says coronavirus has meant a change but hasn’t brought sales to a halt.

“All things considered, I had no idea what to expect,” said Lindbo. “But is actually going very well. People have been really supportive and a shopping respectful, wearing masks when the come in. People are enjoying getting out, I think, and getting into the holidays and the joy of it.”

Lindbo says she has had to change her approach to retail, such as delivering merchandise to customers at curbside and offering on-line sales, but it has helped her business during the uncertainty of the pandemic.

“As long as you can adjust, for the most part, you are going to be okay,” said Lindbo.