Walmart kicking off Black Friday early; launches Dr. Seuss-themed campaign
Walmart isn’t waiting for Thanksgiving to offer Black Friday deals and is looking to a children’s holiday classic for promotional inspiration.
The discount giant, which hosted its third annual "Walmart Deals" holiday kickoff sale earlier in October, will continue its holiday sales efforts with two Black Friday events and a Cyber Monday sale. Its first Black Friday Deals event will run from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16. Members of Walmart's paid subscription program, Walmart+, will get early access to the event, starting Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET
The second Walmart Black Friday promotion runs from Nov. 25 to Nov. 30 (including Thanksgiving Day Nov. 27 and Black Friday Nov. 28). The event will be available online only from Nov. 25 to Nov. 27, and then online and in stores from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30. Walmart+ members will once again get early access, beginning Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. ET
Walmart’s Cyber Monday sale will run online only on Monday, Dec. 1, with Walmart+ members getting early access on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. ET. A list of sneak peek Black Friday discounts is available here.
“For years, Walmart has owned Black Friday — and this year we’re proving why," said John Furner, president and CEO, Walmart U.S. "We’re dropping up to 60% off top brands and offering thousands of deals under $20, making it clear: nobody does low prices like we do."
To promote its Walmart Deals events and celebrations, Walmart unveiled "WhoKnewVille," a Dr. Seuss-inspired world the retailer will feature in ads, social media feeds and virtual worlds as an expansion of its existing “Who Knew?” promotional campaign.
[READ MORE: Walmart takes it on the road in new campaign]
Developed in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the "Grinch Who Stole Christmas"-themed campaign presents residents of "WhoKnewVille" struggling to find the perfect holiday gift as familiar characters from the book — Mindy Lou Who, The Grinch and all the Whos — discover what Walmart can do.
Headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart operates more than 10,750 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.
