Consumer News: Target and Walmart work to give shoppers more value this holiday season

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Details: Written by Consumer Affairs News; Category: Consumer Daily Reports; Published: 23 September 2022; Created: 23 September 2022; Last Updated: 23 September 2022

With the holiday season quickly approaching, and many consumers worried about how inflation will affect their holiday shopping plans, Target and Walmart are working to make this process easier for consumers.

Both stores announced plans that are geared towards making the holiday shopping experience better for customers, by improving the return policy, hiring more staff members, and offering discounts on some of the most sought after gifts this holiday season.

"The holidays are a treasured time when our guests come together with family and friends to celebrate the joy of the season, and we’re here to make that as easy as possible for them to enjoy,” said Christina Hennington, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Target. “That’s why we’re rolling out deals earlier than ever and ensuring our team is ready to help our guests shop when and how they want. Throughout the season, guests will discover new and differentiated items for gifting and gathering, including only-at-Target owned brands and must-have national brands, and they can expect great deals and everyday low prices at every turn for an unmatched holiday shopping experience.”

Walmart is not to be left out. It too has geared up for the approaching holiday season.

“Saving our customers time and money is in our DNA, and I am proud of how we’ve innovated to offer exactly what our customers need this holiday – deeper savings across a broader assortment of gifts with a seamless omnichannel shopping experience,” said Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief eCommerce officer, Walmart. “We listened to our customers, and the way we’re approaching holiday this year underscores our commitment to making holiday shopping easier, affordable, and enjoyable.”

Target’s holiday plans

Starting in early October, Target will roll out deals for the whole holiday season. Shoppers can expect: holiday price-match guarantee, Target deal days, and season-long savings.

All of these offers are starting earlier than ever for the holiday season. Shoppers can expect to get a price match for holiday gifts from October 6 through December 24. If at any point in the holiday season an item is priced lower, Target promises to match the lower price for customers.

While deals on gifts will be available all holiday season long, October 6 through October 8 will be the first Target Deal Day event, offering customers deals on thousands of items available online and in-store. Additionally, consumers who are members of Target’s Circle rewards program receive 5% off every purchase made in the store or online.

Target also announced it will be hiring up to 100,000 employees specifically for the holiday season. The goal is to enhance customers’ shopping experience by ensuring that shelves are stocked, stores are organized, and there are plenty of in-store associates to help customers during their shopping trips.

Easier returns, more savings, and more ways to shop at Walmart

Walmart has plans to make this holiday season as affordable as possible. With its Top Toys List going live before September, the company is preparing to offer customers deals on items in nearly every category, including electronics, toys, home, and more. Many of these selections are between $25 and $50, and they also feature some of the biggest brands for kids, including LEGO, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and L.O.L., among several others.

The selection for gifts has also gotten bigger at Walmart this year, with the store adding 1,400 new toys this year, and a wider selection of wireless headphones, furniture, robotic vacuums, and tablets.

The company also worked on updating its website to make it faster than ever for consumers doing online shopping this holiday season. The website features a special holiday section that compiles all of the holiday deals into one spot, while app users can scan items in-store and add them to wish lists or registries.

Walmart is also making it easier for customers to return items this holiday season. Customers have three new options for returning items: extended return dates, scheduled pick-ups from home for Walmart+ members, and curbside returns.

Too much stock could translate to better deals

A recent report from ConsumerAffairs found that many major retailers, including Target and Walmart, could be offering such great deals for the holiday season because of overstocked inventory. Trends during the pandemic shifted from booking travel to buying items, and with things swinging back in the opposite direction, companies are left with lots of stuff. This can greatly benefit shoppers, especially with the holidays approaching, as stores are marking down this excess product.

Consumers may have to put in some extra work to land these bargains. Experts are encouraging shoppers to ask store representatives for markdowns, while online shoppers should search for “inventory clearance sale.” Though it may take a bit longer, the deals are out there.

Posted: 2022-09-23 11:41:24

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