Between Amazon, Walmart, Target, Toys R Us and other retailers, there’s a lot of intense competition for your holiday toy-shopping budget this year.
Walmart believes in-store experiences could be the key to swaying you to shop its toy selection instead of the other guys.
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Walmart’s holiday plans
On November 4, the nation’s largest retailer is planning something a little bit different.
Customers who attend the “Toys that Rock” celebration at any of Walmart’s more than 4,700 stores on Saturday will get the store’s annual Toys catalog along with sticker sheets for kids to mark their favorite toys.
But that’s not all! Santa Claus will be on hand at all locations to pose for selfies and hear about your child’s wish list as he roams the aisles of the toy department at your local Walmart.
Kids will also be able to play with the season’s hottest toys, including Hatchimals and the FurReal Friends Roarin’ Tyler Tiger, plus licensed toys from huge franchises like Star Wars and Frozen. The number of toy demos throughout the season will be increased to 165,000 this year.
While the date marks Santa’s inaugural visit of the 2017 season to Walmart, the jolly old elf himself will make more than 24,000 visits throughout the entire season, according to a press release.
This is just the first of three planned in-store experience days this holiday season.
Subsequent in-store party days at all Walmart locations across the country will be focused on product categories other than toys:
- Parties that Rock (Dec. 2) focuses on entertaining in your home during the holidays.
- Gifts that Rock (Dec. 16) will feature curated gifts for every budget.
And speaking of budget, let’s not forget that Walmart’s layaway plan is up and running through Dec. 11.
Layaway gives you the chance to put down just $10 or 10% on holiday purchases that you pay off without interest as the season goes on.
More new holiday shopping developments at Walmart
Walmart has announced it will offer free two-day shipping on all orders that meet a $35 minimum. This is not just for toys; this includes more than two million items sold on Walmart.com.
Plus, if you have questions about a product, look for holiday helpers on the floor this season in popular departments like toys and electronics and at the front of the store at checkout.
You’ll know them by their festive reindeer hats!
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