Holiday Deals Arriving Early at Wal-Mart

Bentonville, Ark., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Wednesday said it would start its Black Friday holiday pricing early on some items, in a move to drive sales during the upcoming holiday shopping season.

Wal-Mart said it will offer Black Friday prices three weeks early by unveiling “secret” in-store specials. The retailer plans to reveal discounts on five popular items on its Web site on Thursday, with the goods available in stores beginning Friday morning, Nov. 2.

Although Wal-Mart initiated its first round of deep discounts on holiday toys at the beginning of October, the most anticipated deals are still the Black Friday “doorbusters.”

In another effort to fuel holiday sales, Wal-Mart is going all out to create a festive in-store experience, creating special in-store “Christmas shops” to showcase holiday products (the retailer has been criticized in previous years for a lack of holiday spirit in its stores).

And in another first, all Wal-Mart supercenter and discount stores will be visited by Santa on Thanksgiving weekend and Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9. The chain also plans to literally wrap several stores across the nation in festive holiday style including 10-ft.-by-3.5-ft. bows to brighten the buildings.

Wal-Mart is expected to unveil its complete Black Friday circular the week of Nov. 19.