Check Out Blog

Updates- Express lane style

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:54:31 GMT

Wow, it’s been a while and needing some updates.. I got a lot to cover, so meaning it’s Check-out, lets get into the Express lane for some simple and quick updates.

Last week you local Walmart store overhauled their PC selection. Depending on your local store Netbooks from $298, Laptops from $348 and Desktops from $298 all with Windows 7. Some stores have live units out on demo with an expanded in-store selection. Online we carry over 250 PC’s, click here for more information .

It’s Tax time! Stop in, or shop online for Tax software, PC’s & accessories Click Here for more information.

Earth Month (April) is right around the corner. I don’t know what its like where you live, but in the Bay Area the local power company is installing smart meters. I’ll be able to login online and look at my power consumption by hour, day and month to look at lowering it. Check out this article that was in the San Jose Mercury News the other day. It speaks to power consumption in electronics.

Snow, Ice and rain this season and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop. Make sure you prepared with pre-made kits or make your own. Check these out online or stop by in your local store for one. You can always make your own, by starting off with a backpack and then filling it up with a Basic First Aid Kit, Granola Bars, Bottled Waters, Multi-tool, Duct Tape, Flashlights, batteries, blanket(s) and more. Just make sure to mark the dates and rotate the food/water supply.

Value of the day is continuing for Walmart.com. Click here and save it to check out daily.

I’m going to look at doing this quick style post more often. If there’s something you want to see covered, let us know by posting a question, comment or concern.

Thanks
-Friday

Still time... .

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:14:19 GMT

This is it... Only 12 days (or less) left before Christmas. Still got time to buy online from walmart.com.

We've made it easier for you this year to insure the item(s) your buying will/can arrive on time. Here's an example of the table you'll see while shopping.

How much shopping did you do online this year?

-Friday

Holiday Gaming

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:39:50 GMT

Ok, so I have seen a bunch of questions out in the blog world asking if Walmart is REALLY offering a $50 gift card with the purchase of XBOX360 Elite. The answer is YES. And I've heard some of your concerns about games not being restocked that are on our $40 and $50 list, and let me assure you we are working on improving that.

Good News for Xbox fans too!

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:23:28 GMT

This week's Wii offer was one way we are trying to help our customers this holiday season. The values just don't stop there...starting this Sunday you will be able to get a $50 gift card with the purchase of the Xbox 360 Elite. This offer will be valid Dec 13-19, 2009. Just one more way my team is trying to help our customers Save Monday so they can Live Better. Don't forget to check out the Rollbacks on video game software when you are in the store.

Some Nice News for Gamers...

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:00:58 GMT

Even in these economic times, we see how important it is for Santa, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, husbands, wives, boyfriends, and girlfriends to be able to give the perfect gift. We also know that A LOT of wish lists today -- for all ages -- include a range of video games. Then there are some that have been waiting patiently on getting their Wii -- waiting on the right deal and the right time. Well, this weekend we're planning to make a little "Wii History" ...so to speak.

Starting this Saturday, our stores will be offering a $50 gift card with the purchase of the $199 Nintendo Wii. (Yes, the gift card right can be used right away on the next purchase.) On top of that…all month thru Christmas Eve we've rolled back the prices on many top 2009 games. So not only can you buy a Wii and get a $50 gift card…you can use that card immediately to purchase games like Madden 2010, Tiger PGA 2010 (my husband’s favorite), Lego Rock Band (my boys favorite), Rock Band Beatles (Grandpa’s favorite) and many more for less.

We've been planning for this event for some time, and the gaming team here is really excited about it. We've selected a range of top games in 2009 to Rollback the prices on for the holiday season, and not just Wii, great games for PS3 and 360 as well. One of my personal favorites is Tekken 6, on both PS3 and 360. Halo: ODST will be only $50. While I can't list them all, I assure you there are some SUPER surprises in stores -- games you may love to be surprised to see are included! We love giving happy surprises this time of year!

Zhu Zhu Hamsters Top Gift Lists for Kids

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:07:54 GMT

I normally follow fashion but I also love being "in the know" when it comes to the hottest, must-have gifts for kids (I'm a newlywed and not a mom yet, but I adore the many munchkins in my life).

This year I heard that Zhu Zhu hamsters are one of the most sought after toys this season. This info comes straight from a trusted source with a tiny tyke. With hundreds of thousands of Zhu Zhus arriving in our stores over the next few weeks, Walmart is a good place to look for them. Who knew faux fur would be in fashion this year? And at only $8.00. In addition to these little hamsters, the little ones on my list are getting princess tees and tiaras from the new Disney movie The Princess and the Frog, and of course, Elmo Hands. What do your favorite kids want most?

Wow ... great deals this weekend!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:26:36 GMT

Wow, wow, WOW! Walmart today announced an entire Thanksgiving weekend jam-packed with great products and prices. So exciting!

Check out the full advertisement online at Walmart.com. And remember, it isn't only about the day-after-Thanksgiving early morning deals; we have a whole weekend of events and special offers to help shoppers save even more.

Kicking off the weekend events is Walmart.com. On Thanksgiving Day, Walmart.com will offer nearly 50 online-only specials with savings up to 40 percent on many of the season’s top gifts. All are available for free shipping with Site to Store. I have a sneak peek into some of the products and prices that have already been confirmed, and they include Philips Noise Canceling Headphones for under $20 and the Garmin Nuvi 205 GPS for less than $100. I want both, so if you’re listening, Santa, take notes!

After I get those items at Walmart.com on Thursday, it’s enjoying Thanksgiving Day with lots of eating and football and family. Alas, I can’t stay up too late playing card games and reminiscing. I need my rest so I can get to the Walmart store early on Friday for the stuff I want during the 5-11 a.m. event.

On my list so far from the 5-11 a.m. store event is a Canopy 600-thread-count-sheet set for $24, a Magnavox Blu-Ray disc player for just $78, and maybe an Emerson 42-inch Plasma for $448. I haven't decided yet if I want the Emerson or if I want to instead get one of the Samsung HDTVs available during a special Saturday event. There is a Samsung 46” 1080P LCD HDTV for $848 at Walmart stores on Saturday that I’d love to have in my living room! I just got cable for the first time (and yes, I mean the first time ever in my life, so go ahead and lift up your jaw if it dropped) a few months ago, and I already feel the need for a bigger, better television. I wouldn’t want these great brands and prices to pass me by. We shall see what ends up in my cart.

I’m also jazzed that this year I can go to Walmart.com and download a store map that shows exactly where the products I want will be on Friday morning. It will make planning easier.

There are some great all-day Friday deals that I want to pick up for gifts, like the DVD of Star Trek and GI Joe for only $9, the Kodak Wireless AIO Printer for $99, and a $50 Brother sewing machine. Okay, so maybe, just maybe, one or two of those may be gifts for me too!

Whew. After seeing it in writing, I realize that’s a lot of shopping. Money well spent though, considering the dollars I’ll save by taking advantage of the special pricing.

What’s on your “must get” list for the weekend?

Happy shopping, all, and have a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Coming This Holiday in High Definition

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:07:50 GMT

One of my favorite holiday traditions is hanging out with my family and watching our favorite new movies as well as some of the oldies but goodies. We like to watch both action and comedy movies. My mom and I like the chick flicks that bring us to tears, so we try to watch those alone so my three brothers don’t make fun of us for being softies!

This year I hope that those of you similar to me and my family jump into high def with some of the great values we have on Blu-ray players. Wondering how to pick the right one? Well, here are my thoughts on this week’s deals--hope it helps you choose!

Of course the day-after Thanksgiving event on the Magnavox Blu-ray Player at $78 is great for those families who are only looking for the picture and sound enhancement that Blu-ray offers. It’s really for those just looking to jump into Blu-ray for the first time and we’re excited to have such a great price to help save them money on their investment in family time!

The Sony Blu-ray Player offers all the same stuff, but tacks on BD-Live content to be delivered to the player via the internet. (This content hasn’t been that exciting yet but has lots of potential like games, interactive chatting, etc, with new movies coming out.) It also makes it much easier for the upgrades to be delivered to the player, which happens usually a couple times a year. Actually, this player will be $118 for the day-after Thanksgiving event, instead of $148 which is what is in our printed ad, so it’s a super bonus for our customers! This makes it the best value in my mind for a new Blu-ray customer.

Finally, if you’re looking for a player that has all the bells and whistles I suggest the Samsung Blu-ray player at $148, available at that price during this Saturday’s in store event. It has all the same features of the Sony player but adds the streaming content from Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, and Blockbuster. So whether you want to watch a movie, stream a movie, or jam out to some music, this player can do it!

I know my holiday is going to be experienced in high def, is yours?

Online Shopping

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:54:04 GMT

The holiday season has begun. Decorations are up in stores, Starbucks is selling their Gingerbread Lattes (My Fav) and even Santa is out at the malls making early appearances.

As for Walmart.com we got allot of things going on this Holiday Season. Value of the day is running now, this week we also have Value Bundles and most importantly you can get Over 9,000+ Electronics items shipped to your home for $0.97. Look for items with these logo's below:

That means the hottest gifts as TV, Laptops, Netbooks, iPods, Digital Cameras, GPS, Blu-Ray Players and more for only $0.97. Want to save more, no problem! We have over 8,000+ Electronics items that ship FREE with Site to Store . Look for items with this logo below:

How much of your Holiday Shopping will be done ONLINE this year?

-Paully

The New Holiday Fruit -- BlackBerry

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:33:13 GMT

About a month ago in my post about our new Straight Talk wireless program, I had touched on our desire to deliver savings to our customers that drives many of the initiatives we develop. Not simply to save money but to deliver value on the brands and services that Americans want most. We know that most of our customers are having to watch the checkbooks closely, so giving them brand they want at unbeatable prices is the challenge that keeps us working hard here on the Walmart Wireless team.

Even amidst the tough economy, a major trend that has emerged is the growth of the smart phone segment of wireless phones. While the new Android devices and the launch of the Apple iPhone 3G S series have certainly done their part to add new customers, the number one brand remains BlackBerry. Because of this demand, Walmart currently carries over a dozen unique BlackBerry devices at prices ranging from $0.00 to roughly $150 across all four national carriers.

Based upon the two corollaries above (Customers want to save money and Customers want BlackBerry phones), I am happy to announce that beginning this Saturday for one week only every customer that purchases a BlackBerry phone with a two year contract will receive a $100 Walmart Gift Card. The $100 Gift Card is on top of our already aggressive prices and is available with New Contracts, Family Plan Add-a-Lines, and Qualified Upgrades. For more details on the offer visit: http://www.walmart.com/holidaysavings.

Most Improved Player of the Year?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:06:44 GMT

Every year the National Basketball Association honors only six individual players with annual awards. Along with the Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and the Rookie of the Year, the NBA awards the Most Improved Player Award (formerly known as the Comeback Player of the Year). As the name implies, the award is given to the player that has made the largest single season improvement in play. For example, in the 2007-2008 season Hedo Turkoglu scored and rebounded well above his career average to earn the honor…and then the next season helped to lead his team to the NBA Championship Series.

In professional basketball, with its hundreds of players, it is not difficult to find a handful of players whose intense focus and renewed work ethic propel their game; however, in the wireless phone realm, this type of reinvention is difficult to come by. Yet with the release of its first two Android-based Smartphones this week, Motorola is putting its name in the hat for the Most Improved Player of the Year.

On November 2nd Motorola will release its T-Mobile device the Cliq. The Cliq’s claim to fame is the MotoBlur service that is built on top of the Android platform. MotoBlur is a service that helps to aggregate content, and is particularly useful in managing multiple social networks, by putting all of the information you determine you want on the desktop. I have been testing this device for a couple weeks, and it highlighted just how inconvenient it was with my previous phones to search through news stories or view Facebook status updates. The Cliq will be available at $148 with either a new agreement or qualified upgrade.

Then, the mystery is solved on Friday, November 6^th with the launch of the Verizon Droid. As you have most likely seen, the positioning of the Droid has been targeted at the current king of iconic devices. The Droid has been built with the latest version of Android that enables some pretty cool functions like Text-to-Speech navigation with Google maps. In addition to the software enhancements, the hardware on the Droid is top notch as well – sporting a 5 megapixel camera, a full physical keyboard, and a 3.7” hi-res display. The Droid will be available at $198 with either a new agreement or qualified upgrade.

With the anticipated strong performance this week, I am adding Motorola to my Phone League Fantasy Team!

Windows 7 at Walmart

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:50:15 GMT

Next week is a big week at Walmart. Lots going on across the electronics area. Straight Talk is launching in our wireless area, Transformers 2 releases, and on October 22nd Windows 7 will launch.

Product will begin setting in stores starting Monday. There is a street date on all software and computers that have Windows 7 so we cannot sell the product until Thursday, October 22nd. We will have a lot of activity in the stores Thursday, October 22nd. If you are an early adopter, many of our stores are open 24 hours so you can come in at midnight to buy a new laptop or the new Operating Software! We have added several new chassis from HP in stores for the Window 7 launch. The Windows 7 Operating Systmen is a major improvement from Window Vista and is very user friendly. Also, many of the suppliers have worked to reduce the amount of time it takes to boot up the system for the first time which makes the experience that much better.

On Thursday, you can also head to walmart.com and you will see a whole lot of Windows 7 information as well as product and a video clip showcasing some of the changes.

We are excited to partner with Microsoft as well as our Suppliers to bring you this new system and products. Let us know what you think of the Operating Sytem with your comments.

Straight Talk = Straight-Forward Savings

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:33:49 GMT

One of my favorite quotes is by Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” I have always felt like that quote embodies the benefits of being a coupon-clipping, sale-savvy, disciplined shopper.

Now that I work in retail, I also interpret that quote as a responsibility for assisting our customers in “saving pennies.” As evidenced by many of the posts on this blog, “saving people money so they can live better” is top-of-mind for the buyers at Walmart. Not only are we committed to bringing in high-quality, new technology, but we are committed to make it available at an affordable price.

One major expense for our customers is their monthly wireless phone bill. To help address this expense Walmart worked with Tracfone, the largest prepaid company in America, to test a new service called Straight Talk. We initially tested the Straight Talk program during this summer in roughly 200 stores. The customer reaction was immediate. In fact, the response was so overwhelming that we will be launching this new program nationwide.

The reason for the strong customer reaction was the amazing price and value on the Straight Talk plans. Beginning next week the Straight Talk service will be available in over 3,200 stores across the country, as it runs on One of America’s Best Networks (or rather, The Network). At launch there will be two options available:

$30 a month: “All You Need” Plan which includes 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30MB of mobile web access.

$45 a month: Unlimited 30-day Plan which includes Unlimited minutes, unlimited text and unlimited mobile web access.

On top of the outstanding network coverage and unbelievable price, these plans are both available without a contract, so there are no commitments, no credit checks, and no hidden fees.

We are very excited to be bringing this new service to our customers across America in order to put a more pennies back in their pockets!

For more information on the service plans that are coming to a store near you visit www.walmart.com/straighttalk/.

Early Holiday Shopping- Asus Disney Netpal PC

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:22:02 GMT

I know parents like to get a jump on holiday season shopping. My brother and sister in-law start now and want to be done by Thanksgiving. For me I like the time of the season and enjoy the shopping with the rush of parking, shoppers, Décor and all in the stores. Enough of that, let me get back to the subject of the blog.

This year walmart.com has partnered with Asus and Disney to offer the Netpal PC Designed for kids aged 6-12, the Disney Netpal by ASUS is durable, with a reinforced mechanical design, and offers a truly magical and engaging computing experience with a unique Disney user interface. With colorful Disney-themed style, your child can explore a web-safe world of technology on their own with ease.

This little netbookis similar to others, however as you can see above it’s got a Disney twist outside, and also inside.

Each run Windows XP and work like any other netbook, however the parental software is the key to this cool device. Parents can pre-select email correspondence options (Who they are emailing and who’s emailing them), browsers, the websites their kids visit and the programs they use. These permissions can also be scheduled on a calendar, providing parents with a convenient, automated means of granting access on the days and times that they choose. Parents can also pull up data to determine where children spent time, and for how long, in the Disney Browser.

Along with the controls and scheduling options, there is also TONS of Content. I won’t make this blog to much longer, but check out the product from the link below. Got a question about the product, Use the Q&A option built in on the item page, or you can leave it here for me.

Blue Netpal
Pink Netpal

Happy Shopping,
-Friday

Early Holiday Season at Sam’s Club

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:30:00 GMT

The holidays are coming, which means it is an exciting time to be in retail. (Unfortunately, that also means the bad weather is coming… I know people like the fall/winter, but I’d prefer the warm weather all year long.) At Sam’s Club, lots of the seasonal merchandise is already out in the clubs. If you see me out in the clubs, it would be hard for you to know if I was looking at the items professionally or personally.
Professionally, I’m looking at the packaging performance. Did the packaging protect the product during distribution? Does the in-club presentation meet our expectations? Can the members quickly understand the product and get it into their carts?
Personally, I love these items! I think I’ve stopped to watch the Halloween animation items at every club I’ve been in the last 6 weeks. I’m big fan of the Tombstone that starts off “plain” but then adds scary text that seems to appear out of no where. It’s fun to watch others see the animation. When I was at the club last Friday, a dad was holding his little boy up to be able to see the animation of the mirror, shown below. (The boy wasn’t sure if he thought it was cool, or if he was scared.)
One of the items also has our “Simple Steps” icon: the Member’s Mark LED Pumpkin lights. This product takes a step by being Energy Star certified. The LED lights use less energy, which saves Members money. Check out the actual product box for more details, but we estimate you’d save $4.20/season if you are using ten light strings.
I hope that these items help you have fun this holiday season, and I’d be interested to hear about how your Halloween party/decorations turned out, especially if you bought one of the items from Sam’s. (you can also check out www.samsclub.com if you are interested in the items)

Haunted Mirror

Tombstone

In-club picture