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Walmart announced three holiday shopping events running from Nov. 12 through Dec. 2, with online and in-store start times varying by event. It also introduced “A Who Knew Carol,” a campaign featuring Muppets, Walton Goggins and Stephanie Beatriz; prices and specific product offers were not provided in the announcement.
Walmart announced three holiday shopping events scheduled from Nov. 12 through Dec. 2, alongside a new campaign inspired by The Muppet Christmas Carol. The retailer says the events will include online and in-store deals, with Walmart+ members receiving early access to selected “hot Deal drops.”
The first event, Early Black Friday Deals, begins on Walmart.com at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Nov. 12 and in stores at 6 a.m. local time that day. Walmart+ members can access hot Deal drops online starting at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 12. Any remaining items in those drops are scheduled to open to all customers at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 13, according to the company’s announcement.
Black Friday Deals begin online at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 23. The in-store event starts Nov. 27 at 6 a.m. local time. Walmart+ members again get early access to hot Deal drops beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 23; any remaining drop items become available to all customers at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 24.
The Cyber Monday event runs Nov. 30-Dec. 2, starting online at 12:01 a.m. Walmart also said customers can purchase Walmart+ and Sam’s Club Plus together for $120 per year. The announcement did not provide a full list of sale prices or products.
The accompanying campaign, “A Who Knew Carol,” features Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat and Pepé the King Prawn, with Walton Goggins as Ebenezer Scrooge and Stephanie Beatriz as Scrooge’s niece. Walmart says the campaign will begin with a video and continue through the holiday season with additional videos and social content.
How the Sale Schedule Works
The staggered calendar gives shoppers several chances to look for deals before and during the traditional Black Friday and Cyber Monday period. Online and store start times differ, and some early access is limited to Walmart+ members, so the schedule may affect when customers can try to buy items in the Deal drops.
The announcement also combines retail promotions with a recognizable entertainment campaign. Walmart’s marketing chief said the Muppet partnership is intended to connect the retailer with gifts, deals and convenience; that is the company’s stated aim, not evidence of how customers will respond. For shoppers, the practical value will depend on the products, prices, availability and terms eventually published.
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Walmart’s Holiday Promotion Plan
Walmart’s announcement groups the season’s promotions into three named events: Early Black Friday Deals, Black Friday Deals and Cyber Monday Deals. The dates extend from Nov. 12 to Dec. 2, while the in-store start for the Black Friday event is later than its online start. The company has also described member early access for selected Deal drops, with unsold or remaining items opening to all customers the following day.
The campaign draws on The Muppet Christmas Carol, a holiday adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Walmart says “A Who Knew Carol” will roll out in stages, beginning with the campaign’s initial video and continuing through further videos and social posts during the season. The company also announced a combined Walmart+ and Sam’s Club Plus offer priced at $120 per year; further details about eligibility or the offer’s terms were not included in the supplied report.
““This season, we’re bringing customers and members incredible savings across three major shopping events, along with the brands they love, exciting new discoveries and easier ways to shop, and even a few ‘who knew’ moments along the way.””
— Julie Barber, Walmart U.S. chief merchandising officer
Prices and Product Lists Pending
The announcement does not identify specific products, discount amounts, inventory levels or deal terms for the three shopping events. It also does not explain which items will be included in the hot Deal drops, how many will be available, or whether every advertised offer will be available in every location.
Walmart has not provided further detail here about the terms of the $120 annual membership bundle, including eligibility and how the two memberships are administered. The campaign’s initial release is described, but the report does not specify the dates or number of later videos and social posts.
Sale Launches Begin November 12
Walmart’s first announced event is scheduled to start online at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 12, with stores opening to the promotion at 6 a.m. local time. Walmart+ members are scheduled to receive access to hot Deal drops at the online launch, followed by access for all customers to remaining items on Nov. 13.
The Black Friday and Cyber Monday events are due later in November, while Walmart says the campaign’s videos and social content will continue through the holiday season. Shoppers will need to consult Walmart’s listings and offer terms as they are released for product selection, pricing, availability and membership conditions.
Key Questions
When do Walmart’s 2026 holiday shopping events start?
The first event, Early Black Friday Deals, begins Nov. 12. Black Friday Deals start online Nov. 23 and in stores Nov. 27. Cyber Monday Deals run Nov. 30-Dec. 2.
Do Walmart+ members get early access?
Yes. Walmart says members can access hot Deal drops at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 12 for the first event and Nov. 23 for the Black Friday event. Remaining items in those drops are scheduled to open to all customers the following day.
What is Walmart’s “A Who Knew Carol” campaign?
It is a holiday marketing campaign inspired by The Muppet Christmas Carol. The announced cast includes several Muppets, Walton Goggins as Ebenezer Scrooge and Stephanie Beatriz as Scrooge’s niece.
What products and discounts will be on sale?
The announcement did not list products or discount amounts. Walmart has announced the event dates and access schedule, but shoppers will need to check its listings for specific offers and availability.
What does the Walmart+ and Sam’s Club Plus offer cost?
Walmart says customers can get both memberships together for $120 per year. The announcement did not provide additional eligibility or offer terms.
Source: hardwareretailing.com
