The starting gun was raised, the pistol was fired and they were off. From the day after Halloween until Christmas Eve, the race is on between Target and Wal-Mart to be the low cost leader in holiday merchandise this year. The immediate mark (down) is the toy section.
Despite the economy, parents will still buy toys at Christmas. The stores hope that the lure of lower prices will cause consumers to consider other bargains as well. Recent survey results show that it isn’t working so well and other items are overlooked as shoppers make a b-line to the toys on their lists.
Before November Target had been consistent with the best prices on toys but the race was officially on. Target marked down 2,000 toys. Wal-Mart promptly dropped their prices and quadrupled their toy catalog when the Christmas countdown began.The overall difference is slight but there are some savings to be had depending on what’s on your list.
Here are a few popular presents for the season and how they stack up side by side:
Despicable Me DVD (Pre Order)
Wal-Mart $16.96 Target $16.99
Paper Jamz Guitar
Wal-Mart $19.87 Target $23.89
LEGO Creationary Game
Wal-Mart $26.54 Target $29.99
Sing a Ma Jig
Wal-Mart $9.00 Target $12.99
(out of stock)
FurReal Friends My Walking Pup
Both retailers have said they will match a competitor’s price if the customer brings in a print ad offering the same toy for less.
Despite the lower shelf prices Target still may have the edge over Wal-Mart when it comes to the 5% discount they are offering if the purchase is made with a Target Card (credit, debit or Target Visa). Wal-Mart’s customers are less likely to use credit cards and their in-house Discover card only offers 1% back on purchases.
Target or Wal-Mart, certain consumers have strong feelings about these particular corporations, the way they do business, and what they represent in the American economy today. Some will not be swayed to shop at either establishment, no matter what the sale.
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By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer, business owner and work-from-home mom.
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