by Robin Fiedler
Wal*Mart previously announced its holiday campaign of 100 toys for $10; that’s old news. On Nov. 2, however, a new press release from Wal*Mart announced a 20-30% price rollback on more than 100 additional toys, discount prices that will last through the Christmas holiday shopping. 
I checked out the online list at the Wal*Mart Christmas Shop link (provided by Wal*Mart below) and of the 27 toys listed for $10, 16 were Littlest Pet Shop items. There were 4 Bionicle Legos, a Play-doh Burger set, and Transformers 2: Mudflap and Class Ravage figures, both out of stock online. A V-Tech Explore and Learn Helicopter is on the $10 list but says prices vary per store, and it’s not available online. As far as availability, each item varies. Out of 27 toys, 13 were listed as out of stock online, but available in stores.
Here’s an excerpt from Wal*Mart’s official press release.
“Walmart’s latest toy rollbacks* include popular licensed toys, interactive toys, favorite games, active role play items and more. A few samples of these additional savings include:
· Bakugan starter pack – $8 (33% savings)
· Rocky the Robot** – $49 (17% savings)
· Buzz Lightyear Talking Action Figure** – $29 (17% savings)
· Star Wars Light Saber – $15 (25% savings)
· Barbie “I Can Be” Playsets with Doll – $15 (25% savings)
· Playskool Step Start Walk ‘N Ride or Ball Popper – $17 (32% savings)
· FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin’ Kitty – $38 (24% savings)
· Air Hogs Laser Zero Gravity** - $29 (28% savings)
· Fisher-Price Power Wheels Kawasaki KFX Ride-On – $178 (10% savings)
· Jakks Sweet Oven Makeover** — $24 (20% savings)
· More games like Candyland, Yahtzee and Chutes & Ladders - $5 (37% savings)
Many more toy savings will also be featured in Walmart’s Christmas Toy Guide which will mail to homes next week. In addition, Walmart.com is offering free shipping with Site to Store on thousands of online toys, including all bikes, scooters and ride-ons. More information on Walmart’s holiday savings are available online at www.walmart.com/christmasshop.
These toy savings are not limited time offers, but will be offered through the Christmas holiday. In addition, Walmart’s price guarantee will match any local competitor’s advertised offer on the same toy product.***
* Prices may vary in AL, HI, OK, WI and at Walmart.com and are while supplies last. (no rain checks)
** A 2009 Walmart Top 12 Toy, which lists the retailer’s selection of top toys of the season.
*** Price Guarantee is available only in Walmart stores.”
As we anticipate the release of Wal*Mart’s Toy Guide next week, two tips to note are: Wal*Mart is matching competitors’ prices only for in-store sales, and offers free shipping to the store. Sears has also promised matching competitors’ prices, but did not preclude online sale prices.
As shoppers, comparison research is essential to find the best deals. Once we know an item is on our gift list, comparison shopping can work even when shopping at another store by flashing a competitor’s advertised price. As far as Wal*Mart’s delivery on toys in its advertised sales, I may be wrong, but my brief browsing stint on the Wal*Mart $10 toys link shows that toys may be advertised at cheap prices, but the “Toys for $10” promotional items may not be so easy to find in-stock, at least online.
Footnotes
“Walmart Announces 100 More Toy Rollbacks Including Top Holiday Picks.” WalMart* 2 Nov. 2009. http://walmartstores.com/FactsNews/NewsRoom/9491.aspx
COUPON TIME
Don’t forget to check out our Black Friday Coupons page for the best Black Friday deals around. We’ve also got plenty of deals on our Wal*Mart Coupons page, and you don’t even have to wait until Black Friday to take advantage of those!