LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With the holiday shopping season officially underway, the National Retail Federation says sales could top $1 trillion this year — and retailers are bracing for one of the busiest stretches of the year.
Amazon's “day-of” fulfillment center in Louisville is less than a year old and operates around the clock, seeing tens of thousands of packages move through each day. But between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, that number is expected to surge into the millions.
“This is actually our Super Bowl,” said company spokesperson Andre Woodson. “We have been preparing all year long for this time. We put a lot of effort into logistics and planning.”
The Louisville building is the only facility of its kind in Kentucky, relying heavily on automation. Hundreds of employees work alongside hundreds of robots in what Amazon describes as a synchronized system designed to speed up deliveries and improve safety.
“They work in tandem to help us deliver more efficiently and safer for our customers across the Louisville area,” Woodson said.
Nationally, more than 130 million Americans are expected to shop in stores on Black Friday, while 73 million plan to shop online on Cyber Monday, according to the NRF.
For some shoppers, the convenience of online purchases is hard to beat.
“It’s just easier to click online and have it delivered — less hassle,” said Louisville shopper Chandre Black, who prefers avoiding crowds. “I can do without the crowds."
Others say the in-store tradition is part of the holiday spirit.
“There’s nothing like going out and experiencing the craziness around the holidays,” said Ruth Carrico, who still enjoys the annual rush.
Many brick-and-mortar retailers will remain closed on Thanksgiving this year, trimming one in-person shopping day from a season already shortened by a late holiday. But stores are preparing for a heavy turnout once doors open early Friday.
“We’re going to be ready to go,” said Jaycob Gray, a Louisville Target store director. “We’ve got everybody we need, and we’re excited and prepared.”
Amazon officials said they expect record demand and have spent months forecasting which items will be most popular.
“We feel very confident we’re going to deliver for customers,” Woodson said.
For last-minute shoppers, Amazon’s Louisville day-of delivery service will operate through Christmas Eve.
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