Will Covid shake up how Mauritians shop on ‘Black Friday’?

Die-hard shoppers are expected to be out Friday, lining up outside store entrances, waiting for the doors to open on “Black Friday” sales.

But some retailers fear it won’t be like past years, with the raging COVID-19 crisis keeping crowds thin at malls and stores across the country.

Doctors have discouraged shopping in crowded stores, describing it as a “higher risk” activity and warning that people should limit any in-person shopping.

Stronger alerts came from Labour Party President Patrick Assirvaden – he has urged the authorities to suspend the “Black Friday” sales over fears that the event could trigger a new wave of COVID-19 infections.

The call to boycott the sales do not make it any easier for struggling retailers after months of slumping sales and businesses toppling into bankruptcy.