Walmart is going head-to-head with Prime Big Deal Days

Walmart is joining Target and Best Buy and going head to with Amazon's Big Prime Big Deal Days on October 8. Here's what we know about Walmart's holiday savings event.

Walmart is going head-to-head with Prime Big Deal Days
A collection of Sharpies, children's toys, a laptop, vacuum, and tool kit.

Well, well, well... another retailer is entering the October Prime Day arena. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days runs October 8 and 9, with fellow retailers joining in. Target has announced the return of Circle Week from October 6 through 12, and Best Buy dropped an entire calendar of fall savings that runs from September 25 to October 25, and hidden in that month is a 48-hour sale spanning October 8 and 9.

The next retailer to join in on the fall sales is Walmart, which just announced its holiday plan. You'll be unsurprised to hear that these savings start on... October 8. Walmart's fall savings won't require a membership to shop the deals, but members of the Walmart+ program do get early access. Here's what we know so far about Walmart's holiday sale.

When is Walmart's holiday sale?

Walmart's holiday sale starts on October 8 at midnight ET exclusively online for Walmart+ members. All customers can begin shopping the holiday savings on October 8 at noon ET online, with in-store savings kicking off on October 9. The deals run through October 13, providing savings on toys, electronics, home goods, and more.

Additionally from October 14 through December 25, Walmart is offering discounts on holiday meals. Plus, the company is making it easy to give back during the holiday season. In collaboration with the Salvation Army, Walmart customers can donate the equivalent cost of a holiday meal for a local family.

What is Walmart's holiday sale?

Walmart is launching six days of holiday savings. Unlike Prime Day, you don't need a membership to shop the savings. Walmart+ members do get early access to the sales event and can start shopping 12 hours earlier than everyone else, but all customers can join in on the savings starting at noon ET on October 8.

The deals encompass popular gifts and Walmart-exclusive products, and the retailer has even shared the products and savings that consumers will find come October 8. While some of these products are available now, the savings won't arrive until the sale officially kicks off next month. Here are the deals to anticipate:

What is Walmart+?

Walmart shopping bags on a front door.
Walmart+ members score free delivery on orders over $35. Credit: Walmart

Walmart+ is the retailer's membership program, in the same vein as Amazon Prime. Walmart has offered members savings events in the past, but to be honest, we found Walmart+ Week to be a flop with few deals to shop. We're already anticipating Walmart's holiday savings to be better, and members score early access to the savings.

For frequent Walmart shoppers, the $98 a year (or $12.95 a month) membership may be worth it. Here are the perks you receive when joining Walmart+:

  • Unlimited free delivery: All $35+ orders from Walmart stores will be delivered free of charge.

  • Fast shipping: Next-day and two-day shipping is free for Walmart+ members with no minimum required.

  • Easy returns: If you need to return something, Walmart will pick it up for you. You won't need to print any labels or repackage any products.

  • Savings on fuel: Walmart+ members save 10 cents per gallon at participating fueling stations like Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, Sam's Club, and more.

  • Auto care: Visit any Walmart Auto Care center for free flat tire repair and road hazard warranty.

  • Mobile scan and go: Shopping at a physical Walmart location? Use your smartphone to scan and pay for your items to make the checkout process faster.

  • Paramount+: Gain access to Paramount+ for no additional fee and enjoy the catalog of movies and TV shows.

  • Early access: Members will get first dibs on special product releases and big sale events, including Black Friday.

  • Walmart+ travel: Enjoy up to 5% in Walmart Cash when booking hotels, car rentals, tours, and more with Expedia, and up to 2% on flights.

  • Burger King savings: Treat yourself with 25% off Burger King every day & get a free Whopper with any purchase every 3 months.