Walmart announced its plans to adapt to “meet the evolving needs of its customers” during the upcoming holiday season.
The retailer plans to address shopping trends expected this holiday shopping season – increased online shopping, an evolving wish list, and a fast, easy and safe shopping experience.
According to Walmart, customer shopping habits have changed over the last half-year, the chain is expected to increase its available stock of “unexpected holiday gifts that reflect lifestyles in this ‘new normal.’”
Products encompassed around this “new normal” lifestyle include athleisure, exercise equipment, loungewear and sleepwear and outdoor sporting equipment.
“And, to ensure it has great gifts for the newest member of many families since the pandemic began – pets – Walmart has increased its assortment and supply of pet products in its stores and online and is ready to sell over 3 million comfy pet beds,” the big box office said in a press release.
Walmart plans to include more than 1,300 new toys, more than 800 Walmart-exclusives to its everyday items during the holiday season.
“Over the past six months, our customers have been shopping differently, and we expect that will continue into the most important shopping season of the year – the holidays,” Scott McCall, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., said.
“We’ve heard from our customers that many plan on starting their holiday shopping well before Black Friday and that they’re looking for gifts that fit their current lifestyle. So, we’ve adjusted our strategy to adapt to these new shopping preferences – we’re offering more of what they want now, earlier than ever, and all at the best prices.”
While the store continues to adapt to the upcoming holiday season, Walmart is set to continue its reduced store hours through the holiday season to allow associates time to clean and sanitize stores.
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