Right now, I’m wondering if I’ll ever shop the same way again. I’ve always been a hand sanitizer-using girl. For the longest time, I’ve kept a bottle in each door of our vehicles. I’ve always wiped my cart down before hitting the aisles. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be masking up and heading in the direction of the arrows on the floor (other than at IKEA). Although honestly, I kind of like that change. Regardless of how you shop, the world is a different place right now.
One thing’s for sure, the 2020 shopping updates are coming on the regular. And I’m here with a few hints, tricks, and updates to help you manage pandemic shopping.
Mask Up
As of now, our state has a mask mandate. So that means if you’re heading into a store you need to have a mask on hand. More than once I’ve caught myself getting into the car without one (old habits die hard). Consider keeping a clean mask in a sealed bag in your car so you won’t be caught unaware. Don’t forget to bring used masks in from your car and wash or dispose of them.
Curbside Updates
Curbside services are improving. If you had a difficult time securing a curbside pick up early on in the shut down, you may want to try again. Most grocery stores and big box retailers now have same day or next day availability. Personally, I’ve used both Kroger and ALDI curbside lately and can’t say enough good things about them. Remember with those retailers that accept coupons, you can use both digital and paper coupons with your order. And if you’ve never used Instacart before (the ALDI platform), use the code CLOWE231176 when you check out and get $10 off.
Delivery Options
There are delivery options available to you too. Right now, Amazon has a $10 off $50 coupon for your next Whole Foods order when you use the code WFM10. If you’re using Grubhub or Postmates, don’t forget to use the shopping portal Rakuten to get cash back on your order. Also pay close attention to follow up emails. Many offer coupons for your next purchase and/or sign up for a rewards account with any restaurants too.
Amazon Prime Day
You may have noticed that Amazon’s annual bargain day is on delay. Just this week, we learned that the special shopping experience will return albeit a bit later this year. We’re getting small, vague details right now. Most reports suggest October or early fall for Amazon Prime Day this year. Amazon has already scheduled Prime Day for India next week. We’ll anticipate the best deals on Amazon products and technology plus a few random deals, too. And you know I’ll be scouting the deals and sharing them here as soon as I know anything new.Amazon Prime Day
Black Friday
Black Friday is not going to be the same this year. You may have heard that a number of stores have already announced Thanksgiving Day closures. There’s no way to predict what the virus will look like in late fall. However, it’s likely that stores will be taking measures to reduce crowds on Black Friday, too.
Believe it or not, there could be some good shopping practices to arise from the season we’re in right now. Just take things one day at a time and work together to keep each other in the know about new policies and potential ways to save more money. Fear not friends. Better days are still out there. Let’s abide together in the meantime.
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