To stretch consumer budgets and reduce shopper stress, Walmart announced three major holiday promotions from November 12 through December 2, expanding its Black Friday and Cyber Monday calendar and offering early access to select deals for Walmart+ members.
A new Muppet-infused holiday marketing campaign will support the promotions.
In research the company conducted, Walmart found that 60% of shoppers said gift and holiday prices affect how they feel about the season, and 70% said lower prices would make holiday shopping easier.
The company has slated what it characterized as three opportunities to shop in-demand products at significant savings:
- Early Black Friday. From November 12-15, beginning online at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time and in stores at 6 a.m. local time. Walmart+ members get early access to hot deal drops at 12:01 a.m., while remaining hot deal drop items open to all customers at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on November 13.
- Black Friday. From November 23-29, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Walmart.com and at 6 a.m. local time in stores. Walmart+ early access to hot deal drops begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on November 23, while remaining hot deal drop items open to all customers at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on November 24.
- Cyber Monday. From November 30 to December 2 on Walmart.com only, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.
Walmart said it developed its holiday assortment to suit a wide range of consumer budgets. The retailer said shoppers will find thousands of gifts under $20, plus beauty and home favorites, popular toys and elevated fashion at low prices.
The Walmart Christmas marketing campaign, dubbed “A Who Knew Carol,” drew inspiration from the classic holiday film, “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” The campaign features Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat and Pepé the King Prawn alongside entertainers Walton Goggins as Ebenezer Scrooge and Stephanie Beatriz as Scrooge’s niece. The seasonal initiative, an extension of Walmart’s ongoing campaign with Goggins, brings a twist to the holiday classic, Walmart said. The campaign suggests even Scrooge can be surprised by Walmart’s holiday assortment, brands and prices.
The “A Who Knew Carol” campaign is running across media channels and includes a series of videos and social content that showcases Walmart’s holiday assortment.
“‘A Who Knew Carol’ brings Walmart’s holiday campaign to life in a way that’s playful, memorable and full of unexpected surprises all season long,” said William White, Walmart chief marketing officer, in introducing the initiative. “By pairing the enduring charm of The Muppets with Walton Goggins’ humor, we’re showing that Walmart can surprise customers with the brands, gifts, deals and convenience they need to make the season even more joyful.”
Julie Barber, Walmart U.S. chief merchandising officer, added, “This season, we’re bringing customers and members incredible savings across three major shopping events, along with the brands they love, exciting new discoveries and easier ways to shop, and even a few ‘who knew’ moments along the way. It’s all about helping our customers save more, discover more and make more room for what matters.”
