Walmart starting its holiday promotions earlier than ever this year
Early October is fast becoming the kick-off date for retailers’ holiday plans.
Walmart will hold its first “Holiday Deals” event of the season and bring back its “inflation-free” holiday meal offer in October, which is weeks earlier than in previous years. In unveiling its plans, Walmart cited a survey that said nearly 50% of consumers will start their holiday shopping as early as August and September as people remain price-conscious and plan ahead to maximize their holiday budgets.
Walmart’s first holiday Deals event will be held Oct. 8-13, with deep savings across electronics, home, fashion, toys and more, from both owned and Walmart Marketplace assortments, the company said. The retailer is giving members of its paid loyalty program (Walmart+) exclusive early access to shop the most-wanted deals — 12 hours earlier than anyone else — starting on Oct. 8 at 12 a.m. (All customers can shop the event starting Oct. 8 at 12 p.m., with the promotion continuing in stores on Oct. 9.)
Walmart is not alone in getting a jump start on what it is likely to be a very promotional holiday. Amazon is launching its holiday campaign with a sales event called Prime Big Deal Days (Oct. 8 - 9), and Target’s fall Circle Week sales event will run from Oct. 6-12 this year.
[READ MORE: Best Buy kicking off holiday promotional season in September]
For its “inflation-free” holiday meal offer, Walmart said it will 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 — from turkey and trimmings to dessert — for less than $7 per person.
The company is also offering its holiday meal weeks earlier this year. It will be available Oct. 14-Dec. 25 in stores and on Walmart.com. New this year, customers can gift the complete holiday meal for pickup or delivery to neighbors, friends and family anywhere in the country.
“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 VP 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.”
Walmart is also continuing to work with The Salvation Army’s holiday efforts. At Walmart stores, customers can donate to the Red Kettles outside or buy gifts for children in need through the Angel Tree program. New this year, customers can donate the equivalent of the holiday meal to a local family with one click when purchasing a holiday meal on Walmart.com or round up any purchase on Walmart.com.
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.
