With Christmas just weeks away, Walmart is pulling out all the stops to attract last-minute shoppers by slashing prices across top-tier brands and household categories. The retail giant, long a staple in America’s bargain hunting culture, has extended its holiday promotions beyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday, unveiling steep discounts on fashion, beauty, tech, and home products. The deals, many of which run through December 25, aim to help consumers stretch their holiday dollars further during a challenging economic season.
Walmart’s Holiday Pricing Gamble
After launching its Black Friday Deals Events on November 14 with exclusive early access for Walmart+ members, Walmart continued the savings journey with Cyber Monday promotions and a rolling series of flash deals. But rather than ending the holiday sale surge in late November, the retailer opted to extend major discounts well into December, capturing shoppers who missed the early rush or are still filling holiday wish lists.
Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner positioned these deep discounts as part of a larger affordability strategy. “We’re dropping up to 60% off top brands… Nobody does low prices like we do,” he said in a recent statement. “We’re helping customers have their best, brightest and most budget-friendly holiday yet.”
Deep Discounts Across Big Names
The markdowns touch nearly every corner of the store. In fashion, Michael Kors handbags—typically retailing for over $300—have been discounted to as low as $57, representing savings north of 80%. On the men’s side, Wrangler jeans have dropped from around $21 to $13, highlighting a strong appeal to value-conscious shoppers.
Beauty also gets a budget makeover. Walmart is showcasing Neutrogena holiday skincare gift sets for under $20, down from a list price of $56. Popular cosmetic brands such as Revlon and La Roche-Posay are featured prominently across both online and in-store promotions.
Tech and Home Goods in the Spotlight
As Americans continue to spend more time at home, Walmart’s markdowns in tech and home categories have also commanded attention. A MJWW Walking Pad Treadmill, originally priced close to $300, has been spotted for just $80 during flash deal events. Similarly, seasonal items—such as LED Christmas trees and decorative prismatic snowflakes—reflect the retailer’s push into holiday ambiance at reduced prices.
Electrical kitchen tools and small appliances, often popular gifts, have seen similar pricing rollbacks. Bundled promotions also include tech gadgets and pairing sets aimed at gifting convenience and functionality.
Convenience Drives Expanded Services
Recognizing the intensity of last-minute holiday shopping, Walmart has introduced express delivery options that allow orders placed by 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve to be delivered in as little as one hour. That final crunch before Christmas Day now comes with less stress and more assurance, as shoppers look to fill gaps in gift lists or replace missed shipments.
For holiday hosts, Walmart’s rollout of one-click holiday meal baskets—spanning traditional turkey dinners to gluten-free prime rib alternatives—provides a streamlined way to prepare festive meals. Available through December 25, these meal kits reflect changing consumer demands for reduced planning and increased convenience.
Smart Digital Partnerships and Planning Tools
To support the omnichannel shopper, Walmart has embraced emerging digital platforms. Its partnership with Pinterest allows users to transition from inspiration to checkout seamlessly. Shoppers browsing for décor ideas or gift suggestions on Pinterest can now see Walmart options directly within the platform, enhancing both user experience and purchase intent.
Capturing the Late-Buying Consumer
While many retailers tie their revenue forecasts to early-season purchases, Walmart’s extended timeline acknowledges a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. The retailer aims to serve both forward planners and procrastinators, offering consistent pricing advantages across all holiday phases. Its national footprint and logistics capabilities allow it to reach households quickly while keeping prices low, underscoring its core branding as America’s everyday low-price leader.
Amid inflation concerns that continue to shape consumer behavior, Walmart’s aggressive holiday pricing stands as a reminder of its strategic positioning. As other retailers scale back or focus on premium offerings, Walmart plays to its strengths in volume, affordability, and operational efficiency.
Key Dates and Milestones
- Nov 14: Early access Black Friday deals begin for Walmart+ members.
- Nov 25–27: Online-only Black Friday promotions.
- Nov 28–30: Extended in-store and online Black Friday events.
- Dec 9: Walmart unveils express delivery for last-minute Christmas Eve orders.
- Dec 11–25: Holiday promotions continue with affordable gift sets, home décor, and meal bundles.
A Broader Strategy Underpinning the Deals
At its core, Walmart’s holiday pricing strategy underscores the intersection of scale and consumer empathy. By dropping prices across essential and discretionary categories while removing friction from the purchasing process, Walmart is betting that value and convenience—not hype or exclusivity—will define the most successful retail plays in 2025.
For shoppers in New York and around the country, the message is clear: whether you’re still ticking off gift lists or preparing your holiday table, there is still time—and opportunity—to save.
