Walmart holiday plans include reduced prices on 20,000 products, free shipping on hot items

Bentonville, Ark. --Walmart is upping the ante on holiday shopping. The chain announced that, starting Saturday, Nov. 1, it will reduce prices on more than 20,000 items. Walmart is also launching its holiday promotions on the first weekend in November to get a jump on what is expected to be a highly competitive selling season.



“It is starting to heat up right now, and I would expect it to be at least as competitive as last year," Steve Bratspies, executive VP of general merchandise for Wal-Mart's U.S. operations, said on a call with media on Thursday, referring to competition during the holiday season.



Walmart said it would provide free shipping for online orders of some 100 hot gift items, and free shipping for all online purchases over $50.



The move follows Target Corp.’s offer of free shipping on all items, from late October through Dec. 20.



Walmart has also expanded its digital offerings to include 7 million items---one million more than last holiday season. Deals typically reserved for Black Friday and Cyber Monday will start on Walmart.com shortly after midnight Pacific Time on Monday, Nov. 3.



Walmart is also offering new tools and resources to help customers shop the season, including:



• Wish List: Starting Nov. 7, children and parents can build a Toy Wish List for Santa by adding their favorite toys directly from Walmart’s digital Toy Book. Wish lists can be shared on Facebook and in email with friends and family.



• Holiday Hub: New this year, Walmart is sharing how-to videos, product demos, seasonal recipes and other tips across multiple platforms where customers seek holiday inspiration, including Pinterest, YouTube and Walmart.com.



• Layaway: Customers taking advantage of Walmart’s holiday layaway with no opening fee can stretch dollars further by paying at their own pace through Dec. 15.