With inflation driving prices higher in every product category, the idea of buying holiday gifts now may seem like a non-starter. But Walmart and Target are hoping consumer worries about increasing prices and a desire to spread out purchases over the next few months might drive them to shop — especially when both stores are offering discounts on products sooner than they did last year.
Walmart is offering deep discounts on toys, home goods, electronics, and beauty, and more than half of the store's toys priced under $50 — and many selling for less than $25. Better yet, even if you buy now, you have a long, post-Christmas return window. The world's largest retailer will accept gift returns from Oct. 1 until Jan. 31, expanding last year’s return window of Nov. 1 to Jan. 24.
Target's holiday deals start Oct. 6-8, which is earlier than last year. Price-matching will also be offered, with the Minneapolis-based retailer matching deals from more than 24 other stores, including Target.com.
