Black Friday is already underway. What's typically a frenzied 24 hours of shoppers prowling for holiday gifts looks different this year during the pandemic.

The big box stores like Walmart, Target and Best Buy will be open, but they and other retailers have been spreading out their sales throughout the month so there isn't the same kind of rush.

Some New Yorkers are still lining up at places like Best Buy, but the lines are not chaotic like in years past.

Many of the major retailers are encouraging people to buy online. They are also moving much of the holiday deals to people’s inboxes.

Online and other non-store sales are expected to grow 20% to 30%, according to the National Retail Federation. The CDC reccomends shopping online rather than in person.

A Target in Queens shows balloons and barricades set up, with no shoppers waiting in line.

Shoppers in Queens said the lack of the usual crowds made them feel less worried about their safety.

“It wasn’t really crowded when we came around 6:00, it was pretty good I wasn't nervous at all," said shopper Arielle Gonzalez.

"Queens Center Mall has always been so crowded and this year it’s almost like a dead zone it’s so strange but I mean it is what it is,” she said.

As New Yorkers continue to hunt for deals, the mayor is urging people to spend locally. Small businesses have taken a big hit during the pandemic.

Holiday sales are expected to grow between 3.6% to 5.2%, according to the National Retail Federation.