Walmart (NYSE: WMT) has announced its solution to Black Friday crowds amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic: staggered Black Friday specials. The company will spread out its usual Black Friday deals across several weeks, both online and in-store.
Given recent super-spreading events and the encroaching holiday season, it's understandable that some are balking at the prospect of Black Friday amid the pandemic. Walmart's solution, as named in its announcement, is "Black Friday for Days."
Rather than hold a single day of deep discounts on various goods, the retailer has announced that it will be holding consecutive sales throughout November. To encourage consumers to shop online to help avoid crowded stores, each phase of Walmart's sale will begin online, with stores offering the same discounts days after.
The first phase begins on Nov. 4, with in-store deals starting on Nov. 7; the first phase will feature discounts on toys, electronics, and home goods. The second phase begins online on Nov. 11 and in stores on Nov. 14 and will focus mostly on higher-end electronics such as phones, TVs, and computers. The third and final phase, which will include deals on a broader range of items from clothing to seasonal décor, will begin online Nov. 25, with in-store deals beginning on Black Friday itself, Nov. 27.
"Customers trust Walmart to deliver an amazing Black Friday year after year. Although this year's event looks different, our commitment to what our customers depend on us for - the absolute best prices of the season on hot gifts from top brands - hasn't changed," said Walmart Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Scott McCall. "I'm really excited that this year, when it matters most to our customers, we're offering them more convenient and safer ways to shop Black Friday at Walmart, whether that's from the shelf in one of our stores, ordering online and picking it up curbside or having it delivered right to their front door."