Price Cuts, New Hires Key Elements of Walmart's Holiday Plans

Walmart is finalizing holiday selling season preparations as the retailer noted half its customers will start their research for gifts and other seasonal items in October.

Part of this effort is price investments for deeper savings, three new and expanded returns options, a broader product assortment inclusive of more “top gifts,” a new community giving platform and an enhanced omnichannel shopping experience.

“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 e-commerce officer, Walmart U.S. “We listened to our customers, and the way we’re approaching holiday this year underscores our commitment to making holiday shopping easier, affordable and more enjoyable.”

According to Walmart research, more than 80% of its customers who plan to shop at the retailer this holiday season are doing so because of its low prices. Walmart said it will offer thousands more rollbacks this holiday to provide deeper savings on the gifts, toys, home, electronics, beauty and more.

Walmart has also expanded its assortment of holiday gifts this season with more items, more new brands and more Walmart-exclusives. The retailer has increased inventory for highly-sought-after electronics like TVs, tablets, wireless headphones, wireless phones and watches, as well as home goods including appliances, robotic vacuums and furniture and décor.

Additionally, its selection of toys has increased with 1,400 new items that include more than 500 Walmart-exclusives.

Also being offered is various pickup and delivery options in an effort to make shopping for the customer more convenient. This includes an enhanced Walmart.com site experience, multiple personal shopping experiences, refreshed holiday wish lists and registry suite, and pickup and delivery services.

A key element of Walmart’s holiday efforts will be the hiring of more than one thousand drivers in its private fleet that is part of the 40,000 additional associates who will join the retailer for the final quarter of the year