Walmart Unveils its Holiday Plans with Early Shopping Deals and Affordable Meals

Rhea-AI Summary

Walmart is launching its holiday shopping season earlier than ever, starting with its first Holiday Deals event from October 8-13. Customers can expect significant savings on a variety of products, including electronics, home goods, and fashion.

Exclusive early access will be available for Walmart+ members beginning October 8 at 12 a.m. ET on Walmart.com and the app, with general access starting at 12 p.m. ET. Walmart is also offering an inflation-free Thanksgiving meal priced lower than last year, available from October 14.

Additionally, Walmart is expanding its delivery services to an additional 12 million households, enhancing speed and convenience for customers. New features include a one-click 'buy one, give one' donation option for holiday meals and collaboration with The Salvation Army for charitable donations.

With the aim to provide consistently low prices and a convenient shopping experience, Walmart is well-prepared to meet evolving customer needs this holiday season.

Positive

• Early launch of holiday shopping season with deals starting October 8.
• Exclusive early access for Walmart+ members.
• Inflation-free Thanksgiving meal priced lower than last year.
• Expansion of delivery services to 12 million additional households.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Retail Industry Analyst

Walmart's early holiday strategy is a smart move in the current economic climate. By offering deals in October, they're capitalizing on consumers' price sensitivity and early shopping trends. The $7 per person Thanksgiving meal is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses inflation concerns directly.

The expansion of delivery to 12 million more households is significant, potentially boosting Walmart's market share. Their AI-driven supply chain improvements should enhance inventory management, important for meeting holiday demand. The one-click donation feature is an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility, likely to resonate with socially conscious consumers.

Overall, these initiatives position Walmart strongly against competitors like Amazon and Target, potentially driving increased foot traffic and online sales during the critical holiday season.

E-commerce Specialist

Walmart's holiday strategy showcases a robust omnichannel approach. The early access for Walmart+ members to online deals is a clever tactic to drive membership growth. This exclusivity could lead to increased customer loyalty and higher average order values.

The expansion of delivery options, including Early Morning and Express Delivery, addresses the growing consumer demand for convenience. The new AI technology expanding delivery reach by 12 million households is a game-changer, potentially capturing market share in previously underserved areas.

The seamless integration of online and in-store offerings, coupled with the extended Holiday Deals event, creates multiple touchpoints for customer engagement. This strategy could significantly boost Walmart's e-commerce performance during the competitive holiday season.

Consumer Behavior Analyst

Walmart's strategy aligns well with shifting consumer behaviors. The earlier start to holiday shopping, with 50% of consumers beginning in August or September, shows Walmart's adaptability to changing trends. Their focus on value, exemplified by the inflation-free Thanksgiving meal, addresses the price sensitivity prevalent among shoppers.

The diverse product offerings, from electronics to fashion, cater to a wide range of consumer preferences. The inclusion of trending items like oversized skeletons and holiday inflatables taps into popular culture, potentially driving impulse purchases.

The emphasis on convenience through expanded delivery options and the closed Thanksgiving policy aligns with consumers' desire for work-life balance. These factors, combined with the charitable giving options, could enhance Walmart's brand perception and customer loyalty during the important holiday season.

• Retailer introduces earlier, longer windows for holiday savings across its unparalleled assortment in response to customers’ changing shopping habits
• The first Walmart Holiday Deals event of the season runs Oct. 8-13 with incredible deals on top gifts and Early Access for Walmart+ members
• The inflation-free Thanksgiving meal priced lower than last year, is back and better than ever and available Oct. 14 with new one-click “buy one, give one” donation
• Walmart expands its delivery scope to an additional 12 million more households, bringing enhanced speed and convenience to even more customers

BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Walmart is kicking off the holiday shopping season earlier than ever, unveiling its plans to help customers have a memorable holiday season with consistently low prices and a convenient experience no matter when, where or how they choose to shop all season long.

(Graphic: Business Wire)

This year, nearly 50% of consumers will start their holiday shopping as early as August and September¹, as people remain price-conscious and plan ahead to maximize their holiday budgets. To meet customers where and how they’re shopping, Walmart will offer customers a holiday head start with savings starting in October, including its first Holiday Deals event of the season and the return of its inflation-free holiday meal – weeks earlier than previous years.

“We know many of our customers are beginning to prepare for their holiday celebrations early, and we’ve adapted our approach to best meet their needs,” said Latriece Watkins, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S. “We’ve worked hard to lower prices across our most exciting assortment ever, and we’re thrilled to give customers more of what they want this holiday – more time to prepare and more opportunities to save all season long.”

Exceptional deals on top gifts start Oct. 8^th in stores and online

Customers who want a jump start on some of the best deals on top holiday gifts don’t have to wait until November. Walmart will offer some of its hottest deals of the season with its first Walmart Holiday Deals event Oct. 8-13, with deep savings across electronics, home, fashion, toys and more, from both owned and Walmart Marketplace assortments.

Beginning Oct. 8 at 12 a.m. ET on Walmart.com and the app, Walmart+ members get exclusive early access to shop the most-wanted deals, 12 hours earlier than anyone else. All customers can shop the Walmart Holiday Deals event starting Oct. 8 at 12 p.m. ET on Walmart.com and the app, with the fun continuing in stores Oct. 9 at local store open time. With six days to shop deep savings on popular gifts from new and Walmart-exclusive top brands, Walmart customers have an extended opportunity to take advantage of some of the season’s best deals, including:

• 98” onn. Roku TV - $1498 (Special Buy)
• LEGO Disney Stitch Toy Building Kit, 43249 - $51.95, Was $64.99 ($13.04 savings)
• BISSELL Little Green Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner - $109.00, Was $153.00 ($44 savings)
• GTRACING Gaming Chair Office Chair PU Leather with Footrest & Adjustable Headrest for Adults and Kids, Black - $99.99, Was $249.99 ($150 savings)
• Better Homes Gardens 14oz Farm Apple Pumpkin Scented Wooden Wick Jar Candle - $5, Was $10.87 ($5.87 savings)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Pizza Fire Delivery Van - $29, Was $49.15 ($20.15 savings)
• Frigidaire 7.5 Cu. ft. Refrigerator, Platinum Series, Standard Door Style, Stainless Look - $198, Was $499 ($301 savings)
• ORORO Heated Fleece Hoodie for Men and Women with Battery - $104.99, Was $149.99 ($45 savings)
• Restored Apple MacBook Air Bundle - $279.00, Was $226.00 ($53 savings)
• DR. J Professional HEPA Air Purifier - $69.99, Was $179.99 ($110 savings)
• 24V 2 Seater Ride on Cars, Licensed Ford Bronco Raptor Powered Ride on Toy Truck with Remote Control - $329.99, Was $499.99 ($170 savings)
• MSI Thin 15.6" i5 3050 16GB/512GB Gaming Laptop - $599, Was $699 ($100 savings)
• Sharpie Permanent Markers Limited Edition Set, Assorted Colors, 60 Count - $39.08, Was $48.85 ($9.77 savings)
• HART 215-Piece Mechanics Tool Set, Multiple Drive, Chrome Finish - $98, Was $158 ($60 savings)
• Swisstech 24-inch Excursion Travel Duffel, Blue/Grey, Polyester - $5, Was $34.56 ($29.56 savings)
• George Men’s Long Sleeve Tees - $5.00, Was $6.98 ($1.98 savings)
• Wonder Nation Boys Jeans and Girls Fashion Jeggings - $10, Was $13.98 ($3.98 savings)

The October event is an exciting kickoff to a season of spectacular savings at Walmart with more incredible deals events to come, including its can’t-miss Black Friday and Cyber Monday events. But Walmart customers know they don’t have to wait for a deals event to unlock big savings. With a commitment to consistently low prices every day, customers can find deep value across Walmart’s unmatched assortment whenever they choose to shop, including:

• Top trending toys from beloved brands and franchises like Disney, Hot Wheels and Barbie, including a new and exclusive collection from Walmart and Mattel: Barbie World! This year, 25 of the 66 top toys are under $25 including toys from LEGO, Nerf, Melissa & Doug and more.
• Home and fashion deals for under $5, plus:
  • Stylish fashion finds at incredible prices like plush robes, family PJ sets, puffer coats and fleece jackets, boots and slippers, and top brands like Levi’s and Reebok as well as Walmart’s exclusive, elevated brands Free Assembly, Scoop and Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara.
  • On-trend home goods at Walmart’s everyday low prices like vacuums, small appliances and décor from Ninja, Beautiful by Drew Barrymore and Better Homes & Gardens.
• The hottest electronics at incredible prices from top brands like Apple, Samsung and PlayStation, including tablets, gaming consoles, laptops, 98” televisions and more.
• Seasonal décor including oversized skeletons, holiday inflatables, scented candles, wreaths and holiday lighting, making it easy and affordable to get into the spirit.
• Newly expanded Marketplace assortment across key gifting categories including premium beauty, collectibles and coveted sneakers from StockX, all available on Walmart.com.

Delicious holiday meals at a deep value, Thanksgiving and beyond

Walmart is once again removing inflation to offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal at an even lower price than last year to help customers set their holiday table without compromise. This year, Walmart’s holiday meal offering serves up to 10 people and includes 28 customer favorites – everything from turkey (under $1/lb.!) and trimmings to dessert – for an incredible value of less than $7 per person.

Walmart will offer its inflation-free holiday meal weeks earlier this year to give customers even more opportunity to save. Starting Oct. 14-Dec. 25 in stores and on Walmart.com with one easy click, customers can take advantage of savings on all the holiday meal essentials to make Thanksgiving, Christmas or Sunday night dinner easier and more affordable, all season long. New this year, customers can gift the complete holiday meal for pickup or delivery to neighbors, friends and family anywhere in the country, making it easier to celebrate with those near and far.

And during this season of giving, Walmart and The Salvation Army are working together to give customers options to support families served by The Salvation Army in their community – in big and small ways.

• New this year, customers can donate the equivalent of the holiday meal to a local family with one easy click when purchasing a holiday meal on Walmart.com or round up any purchase on Walmart.com.
• At Walmart stores, customers can donate to the Red Kettles outside or buy gifts for children in need through the Angel Tree program.

Last year, customers and members raised more than $34 million to support local Salvation Army units. This year’s campaign builds on Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s long-term support of The Salvation Army, awarding more than $7 million over the last five years.

Experience holiday magic through ultimate convenience options

Whether customers prefer to shop online, through the app or in store, customers can trust that their items will arrive on time, even for those last-minute gifts. Walmart's best-in-class pickup and delivery meet customers' needs, lifestyles and preferences, with Early Morning delivery starting at 6 a.m. and Express Delivery available in as soon as 30 minutes. New this year, the retailer is using new AI technology to expand its delivery scope to reach an additional 12 million households.

Walmart prepares all year long to make the holiday shopping season remarkable for its customers, and the retailer is ready to serve them with its next gen supply chain and world-class team of associates. The retailer’s recent investments to create a more connected supply chain means customers can have confidence that Walmart will have the things they want, need and love, at the speed at which they want it, all season long.

The retailer has also been hiring associates throughout the year and will first offer additional hours to current associates where needed. Walmart stores will be closed once again on Thanksgiving Day so associates can spend the day with their families.

From the hottest deals to delicious meals, customers can trust that Walmart will help them win the season with consistently low prices and a convenient experience no matter when, where or how they choose to shop.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

¹ https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/early-holiday-shopping/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918478285/en/

Leigh Stidham (Leigh.Stidham@walmart.com)

Source: Walmart Inc.

FAQ

When does Walmart's first Holiday Deals event start?

The first Walmart Holiday Deals event starts on October 8 and runs through October 13.

What exclusive benefits do Walmart+ members get during the Holiday Deals event?

Walmart+ members get exclusive early access to shop deals starting October 8 at 12 a.m. ET on Walmart.com and the app.

What is included in Walmart's inflation-free Thanksgiving meal?

Walmart's inflation-free Thanksgiving meal serves up to 10 people and includes 28 customer favorites, priced at less than $7 per person.

When will Walmart's inflation-free Thanksgiving meal be available?

Walmart's inflation-free Thanksgiving meal will be available starting October 14.

How many additional households will Walmart's expanded delivery service reach?

Walmart's expanded delivery service will reach an additional 12 million households.