(NEW YORK) — While news of potential vaccines have given a shot in the arm to Wall Street, COVID-19 numbers are growing in many areas. And so for millions of holiday shoppers, that means they’re doing their buying online.

U.S. consumers are expected to spend $198.73 billion with online retailers this holiday season, according to the number crunchers at Digital Commerce 360 projects. That whopping figure would be a more than 43% increase from 2019’s online spending numbers. 

A recent survey from customer service software provider Qudini shows that 63% of consumers are actively avoiding stores, with 81% saying it’s because they’re concerned about the virus. 

Fifty-six percent of the respondents say they were avoiding stores because they’re worried about other shoppers not wearing masks, 55% said they didn’t want to get too close to other shoppers, 45% say they didn’t want to touch products other shoppers had, and 28% say they wanted to shop for their loved ones without having to wear a mask, as most stores require. 

And let’s face it: PJs are much more comfy to shop in.

To keep up with demand for the expected surge in online orders, many retailers are already rolling out Black Friday deals, instead of waiting for the traditional day after Thanksgiving.

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