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.

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"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%.

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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.