But industry experts had predicted that the retailers catering to discount-driven shoppers including Macy’s, Target and Wal-Mart would once again start their holiday promotions on Thanksgiving, in a bid to get consumers in their doors first.
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Walmart Stores (WMT) said it would offer fewer “this weekend only” short-term deals during the holiday shopping season while discounting thousands of items for 90 days as it seeks to entice customers by being more consistent on pricing. And on November 1, Wal-Mart will add a new capability to its digital wish lists, which enables shoppers to add items by scanning them in-store and makes them searchable for friends and family. That’s the same time as a year ago.
Come-on: Wal-mart’s press release only lists one “unbelievable” price – an Apple iPad Mini 2 for $199.
Walmart also said it was introducing a “mobile check-in” function to its mobile phone application that would allow shoppers picking up online orders to easily notify the store when arriving to cut down on waiting times. Earlier this month, Wal-Mart’s shares took a big hit after it said that profit for next year could fall as much as 12 percent as spending on e-commerce operations and higher wages squeeze the bottom line.
Target is bringing back free shipping for the holidays – without any restrictions.
In a sneak peek at its holiday strategies, the Bentonville, Arkansas retailer said shoppers can expect more theater in the stores, from Santas to food tastings.
Meanwhile, Target is featuring its mascot, a white bulldog with the trademark red bullseye painted on him, throughout the store more prominently. That includes basics like making sure stores are cleaner and well stocked. For the holiday season, shoppers will find gift wrap and stocking stuffers there.
Free, Easy Pickup With New Mobile Check-In: almost 75% of traffic on the company site is expected to come from a mobile device this holiday season.
That’s up from 70 percent a year ago.
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The retailer is also adding to its curbside pickup service, expanding from 21 to 121 locations in Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and select locations in New York, New Jersey and Chicago.
