Advertisement

Lowe's kicks off holiday shopping with 'Season of Savings' sale Thursday amid COVID-19 with more online deals

Lowe's kicks off its holiday savings earlier than in past years with more online specials than in-store doorbusters.

The North Carolina-based home improvement chain starts its new "Season of Savings" sale Thursday in a holiday shopping season retailers say is unlike any other amid the coronavirus pandemic.

And with many Americans spending more time at home this year, Lowe's is encouraging consumers this season to give gifts for the home.

"We've seen a focus on home like never before," said Marisa Thalberg, Lowe’s executive vice president, chief brand and marketing officer.

Instead of a traditional Black Friday sale, Lowe's will have daily one-day, online-only "Cyber Steals" from Oct. 22 through Dec. 2 on tools, generators, pressure washers, patio sets, electronics, small appliances, floor care, lighting, decor and more at Lowes.com/CyberSteals.

Black Friday 2020: Walmart, Lowe's have announced Black Friday plans: Here's how the holiday shopping season is different amid COVID-19

Online shopping returns: Happy Returns expanding its network of 'Return Bars' with new collaboration with FedEx

"We want people to be able to get what they want at great values, no matter how they want to shop this holiday season," Thalberg said in an interview with USA TODAY, noting deals will be available for curbside pickup, in-store pickup and delivery.

Other stores also are making changes to their traditional Black Friday sales. Weeks after “promising an all-new Black Friday experience," Walmart said it will spread out the savings in November with “Black Friday Deals for Days" and will hold three different sales online and in stores instead of one.

Home Depot, Target and Best Buy are among the retailers planning to have longer sales with more savings online to help reduce crowds and spread out demand amid COVID-19.

"When it comes to going into the physical stores, we are not going to create a situation where there is a time sensitivity that would create crowd situations," Thalberg said. "That is irresponsible in our current environment."

In August, Lowe's reported its online sales soared 135%, while same-store sales, including those outside the U.S., rose 34.2%.

Thanksgiving turkey 2020: Popeyes Cajun turkeys are coming back and here's how to pre-order for your holiday meal

Lowe's starting Christmas tree delivery

To make it easier for shoppers to get a tree without leaving the house, Lowe's will have free local fresh Christmas tree delivery available from Oct. 30 through Dec. 11, Thalberg said.

Other decorative items, including fresh-cut wreaths and tree containers, will also be available for free local delivery for purchases over $45. Learn more and place orders at Lowes.com/FreshChristmasTrees.

Thalberg said demand for decor is starting early this year.

"I actually predict you're going to see some people maybe even going more over the top than ever in how they decorate their homes both inside and outside," she said.

'Letters to Home' campaign

While letters to Santa are a popular holiday tradition, Lowe's is starting another letter-writing campaign as part of its push to bring a greater focus on the home.

Lowe's is asking consumers to write "Letters to Home" and share why they love their homes, what their homes endured this year and how they hope to make them even better next year, Thalberg said, adding some letters will be spotlighted and there could be some "wish fulfillment."

The letters can be shared digitally on social media using #LetterstoHome and there will be big, red mailboxes at Lowe's stores across the country to drop them off.

Amazon Holiday Dash: Amazon continues 'Black Friday-worthy deals' with Holiday Dash sales event after record Prime Day

Bacon-scented face masks? Hormel Foods announces it is giving away free Black Label 'Breathable Bacon' masks

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lowe's Black Friday 2020: Season of Savings sale starts Oct. 22