Wal-Mart to Start Matching Rivals' Deals a Week Ahead of Black Friday

   By Tess Stynes 
 

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) said it plans to start matching holiday deals from its rivals Friday, a week ahead of the shopping frenzy known as Black Friday, further extending its opportunities to draw consumers to its store and website.

The world's largest retailer said it will cut prices on some popular toys and electronics to match Black Friday deals offered by competitors such as Target Corp. (TGT), Best Buy Co. Inc. (BBY) and Toys "R" Us Inc.

"Black Friday is our Super Bowl and we plan to win," said Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Wal-Mart in the U.S. "With six fewer days from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the retail environment is more competitive than ever."

The retailer has pushed its Black Friday sales earlier, stirring a backlash among some workers. This year, sales will start at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, two hours earlier than last year. A series of other retailers also have announced plans to open their doors on Thanksgiving Day, aiming to attract shoppers during what analysts are expecting to be a highly promotional holiday-shopping season.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, shoppers who purchase items on Wal-Mart's website and find a lower price offered by a rival's local brick-and-mortar store will be eligible to receive the difference on a gift card under an extended Christmas advertising match program. The policy also applies to shoppers at Wal-Mart stores for items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.

Shares were trading at $79 recently, down 22 cents.

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