High Point University Poll Shows COVID-19 Changing Holiday Shopping Behaviors

A High Point University poll shows that over half of respondents say they will not be shopping on Black Friday this year, and a majority of those who will say they'll shop online. That could have a big impact on local businesses. 

About 40 percent of those polled say that COVID-19 has greatly affected their holiday shopping. And this time of year is often crucial for local retailers. 

Toni Tronu owns Visual Index, an art gallery in downtown Winston-Salem that sells works by artists from all 50 states.

“October, November, December are pretty big months and can sometimes float me the rest of the year if need be,” she says.

Tronu says the drop in foot traffic to the shop this year has been significant. On a busy Saturday pre-pandemic, she says the store might have 75 to 150 visitors. Now, that number is more like 15 to 30.

In order to adapt, Tronu created an online shop connected to her website. “It's gone great online, and I think that's really held me over during the drop of foot traffic."

Tronu is the business's sole employee. She says she was hoping to turn a profit this year, but will likely break even.     

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