Walmart goes discount crazy, marking 1,000+ items 70% off

To heck with the calendar. Walmart doesn’t care when Black Friday or any of those big fall season sales are supposed to happen, it’s full speed ahead. 

On top of Walmart jumping the gun on announcing its holiday toys list, it’s going whole hog on more than 1,000 items in its stores that have reached the clearance cycle and is knocking 70% off those items’ prices.

Plus, to up its chances of clearing that shelf space it is tossing in free shipping, with a $35 purchase or customers may opt for at-store pickup to avoid the $6.99 shipping charge.

“In this case, there are quite a few different items that are summer or warm-weather products Walmart is likely trying to clear out to make room for fall and winter products,” Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, told ConsumerAffairs. 

“Additionally, it’s important to note that many of these offers may be from third-party sellers on Walmart’s marketplace, so be sure to watch for added shipping costs. For instance, this 3-piece patio dining set for $199.99 which apparently goes for $899.99 normally. There’s also this 5-piece patio set that ranges from $339.99 to $359.99 depending on the color you choose, which normally goes for $599.99.

$5, $10, $15, $20…

Walmart isn’t narrowing shoppers’ options to just one or two categories. It’s got Android phones and other electronics on sale, plus bedding, groceries, patio furniture, even the iRobot Roomba i1 WiFi Robot Vacuum at $181 off, now for $288.

For $5 or less, Walmart’s sale is loaded with lots of ladies’ intimates, toys, jewelry, summer gardening-type things, etc.

For $10 or under, ConsumerAffairs found lots of kids’ shoes, kitchen accessories, pet supplies, and men’s and women’s activewear.

Skipping a few price levels to $100 or under, there was a cordless stick vacuum cleaner for $79 and a Bissel upright vacuum cleaner for $97, plus bedroom furniture, air fryers ($50’ish), even a cool gel memory foam mattress for under $75.

Beating the leaves and Santa to the punch

“If you’re getting a headstart on holiday shopping, there’s a chance you can find some real bargains on toys, such as this LOL Surprise Doll for $15, this Power Wheels Hot Wheels Racer Ride-On for $249, and more,” Ramhold said, adding this word of caution: not everything under the toys category of this clearance sale is actually discounted, though, so be cautious when scrolling.

“There are also practical items on sale, such as these 55-gallon heavy-duty trash bags, which are ideal for stocking up on if you know you’ll be raking leaves and bagging them up in another month or so,” she said.

Yep, a little ‘fine print’ to be aware of

“Prices, terms, and availability may vary online, in stores, and in-app. Items ordered online may be available for pick up at store, shipping, or delivery. Some items may be available from Marketplace Sellers, who set their own prices and are not eligible for price match. Items sold online by Walmart may be eligible for a price match,” is the company’s disclaimer. Just sayin’…