Why October Is the Best Month To Shop at Walmart and Amazon

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If you’re looking for some great sales on the items you want and need, you may be planning to wait to shop until the holiday shopping season kicks off on Black Friday.

Money expert Clark Howard says if you do that, you’ll be late!

Shopping for Deals? Now Is the Time

Clark says retailers are moving the cycle of the holiday shopping season earlier and earlier.

“I told you that it was going to be a year in which Christmas deals would start much earlier,” Clark says. “And now I can give you a real clear view of how early: October is the new November!”

Amazon, Target and Walmart all have announced sales in October. Let’s go over the deals from the three retailers.

Amazon

Amazon Prime Early Access deals
Screenshot via amazon.com

Amazon recently announced its Prime Early Access Sale, which gives loyalty program members a head start on holiday deals.

“Amazon has so much merchandise they’ve got to get rid of that they’re doing a second Prime Day in October. Normally they do it in the summer – a slow time for shopping – but they’ve got so much stuff, they’re doing one in October,” Clark says.

Amazon’s big sale will run October 11-12, 2022. To take advantage of deals such as 80% off on select Fire TV smart TVs, you’ll need to be a Prime member. For more details and to see a few items already discounted, check out amazon.com/earlyaccess.

Is Amazon Prime worth it for you? Take this quiz to find out.

Target

Target Deal Days
Screenshot via target.com

Amazon isn’t the only retailer kicking off the holiday shopping season much earlier this year. Target has announced that its Deal Days will be October 6-8, 2022.

Target says its Deal Days will have the store’s Holiday Price Match Guarantee, which means any purchase made between October 6 and December 24 will qualify for a price adjustment if the store drops its price on the item. Learn more.

Walmart

Walmart Flash PIcks
Screenshot via walmart.com

Walmart is planning a “Rollbacks and More” Savings Event for October 10-13, 2022. A Walmart representative told Team Clark that we’ll see sales “across electronics, home, toys, fashion and more.”

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In addition to the savings event, Walmart.com recently launched its Flash Picks section, which features limited-time deals you’ll find only on the web.

Browsing the section, I was able to find a portable generator regularly listed for $1,300 on sale for $1,099. I also discovered a stir-fry pan with a regular price of $34.97 going for $12.88.

Walmart says that effective October 1, it has expanded its returns policy for the holiday shopping season. Clark calls it “the most liberal return policy Walmart has ever had.” Here are the details:

  • Extended return period: Eligible purchases, including electronics and Marketplace items, made on or after October 1 can be returned through January 31, 2023. 
  • Curbside returns: The retailer says you won’t have to go into the store to drop off returns.
  • Home pickups for returns: Walmart+ members will be able to use the app to have items picked up and returned (not available through all Walmart locations).

Read our guide on how to save on Walmart items.

Final Thoughts

Clark wants you to be smart about finding deals: Make sure that you comparison shop to get the lowest price!

Read our guide on how to get the best deal possible online. And follow Clark Deals to see the very best deals from these sales.

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