Walmart Steps Up Holiday Game, Inflation-Free Thanksgiving Meal Returns

Walmart Inc. WMT is gearing up for the holiday season with new initiatives aimed at convenient shopping habits.

Leading the charge is the return of its inflation-free Thanksgiving meal, now priced lower than last year, set to launch on October 14.

This year, the retailer also introduced a convenient “buy one, give one” donation feature, allowing customers to easily contribute meals to those in need.

According to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast, holiday retail sales are expected to rise between 2.3% and 3.3% in 2024. In 2023, holiday sales had a growth rate of 4.3% during the same timeframe.

In the aftermath of COVID, the biggest retailers in the U.S. have captured a significantly larger portion of retail growth, according to a Forbes report released in May.

The report highlighted that Walmart and Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN account for about 38% of every additional retail sales dollar, making growth difficult for most other retailers and creating considerable uncertainty.

Also Read: Evaluating Walmart Against Peers In Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail Industry

“We’ve worked hard to lower prices across our most exciting assortment ever,” said Latriece Watkins, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S.

Walmart is starting holiday savings events, with the first Walmart Holiday Deals event scheduled from October 8 to October 13.

Walmart said it is also expanding its delivery services, reaching an additional 12 million households, which will provide enhanced speed and convenience for customers looking to shop from the comfort of their homes.

Earlier this week, Sam’s Club, the $86 billion division of Walmart, introduced a fresh workforce compensation plan, which boosted pay for close to 100,000 frontline associates and provided guidance for longer-term financial futures.

More engaged workers proved productive, offered better service, and were more likely to stay, especially as competition heated up in the retail space.

Price Action: WMT shares are trading higher by 0.08% to $79.10 premarket at last check Thursday.

Image via Shutterstock

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