Dive Brief:
- Alongside the retailers offering early markdowns, Walmart announced Wednesday its three-week long "Black Friday Deals for Days" event taking place between Nov. 7 and Nov. 25, according to a press release. The retailer is also hosting a Cyber Monday event on Nov. 28.
- The retailer is offering deals on electronics, home goods, toys and apparel and on items from brands including Apple, Dyson and Lego. Walmart+ members will also have early access to Black Friday markdowns, according to the announcement.
- The retailer also updated its website and mobile app to make Black Friday shopping easier for customers by allowing consumers to see the best deals and real-time pick up and delivery options.
Dive Insight:
Walmart has joined the early holiday deal bandwagon. In addition to the discounts the retailer announced on Wednesday, it unveiled early holiday markdowns earlier this month on toys, clothing, accessories, home goods and electronics. The retailer also offered deals on Apple, Lego, Hot Wheels and Barbie products during its October sale.
Like last year, Walmart said it is offering early access to its online deals to Walmart+ subscribers. But this year, Walmart said it would launch its holiday discounts online starting every Monday in November.
“Black Friday has evolved over the years from a single day to an entire season and is without a doubt the most anticipated shopping event of the year. Our customers are counting on us more than ever to help them find the season’s best gifts while delivering incredible savings like only Walmart can,” Charles Redfield, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., said in a statement. “That’s why we continue to challenge ourselves to offer an unparalleled Black Friday experience each year, giving customers more of what they love – more opportunities to shop even bigger savings on Walmart’s best assortment of gifts, easily and conveniently, online or in our stores.”
In addition to revamping its website and mobile app ahead of the holidays, Walmart is also preparing for the uptick in holiday demand by hiring workers. In late September, the company said they plan to hire 40,000 employees, down from 150,000 employees that it planned to hire in 2021.
Walmart also appears to be integrating social media into its strategy. The retailer this week unveiled its Walmart Creator platform, which lets content creators earn commission on product links they share on social media.
