Walmart vows no back-to-school gimmicks

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — While competitors are in the midst of promoting back-to-school offers, Walmart is touting its familiar everyday low prices message and promising its customers gimmick-free pricing all season long.

As part of its plan to incentivize its customers to remain loyal, the retailer is offering more than 250 school supplies for under $1, launching a new Teachers Corner that places classroom needs in one location, bringing back its online Classrooms by Walmart school supply and uniform list database and offering free shipping on uniforms and school supplies purchased online.

"We know that back-to-school shopping costs add up but parents can trust Walmart to keep prices low," said Duncan Mac Naughton, EVP, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Walmart U.S. "We aren't playing games with our prices. The prices we advertise now will be the same low prices all season long."

Walmart is also participating in sales tax holidays around the country, which kick off the last week in July. On select days in certain states, customers pay zero or reduced sales tax for items such as school supplies, apparel and backpacks. Eligible items and dollar limits vary by state.

For the fifth year, Walmart will donate up to $4.5 million through its Teachers Rewards Program providing 90,000 teachers across the U.S. with reward cards helping offset the cost of classroom expenses coming out of their own pockets. Walmart will also be hosting a number of "stuff the bus" events at stores across the country.