Walmart Black Friday opening time speculation/rumor thread

[shar6576]

i was told at work today that walmart is having a 10pm sale..and 12 am..with no 5 am sale,just 10 and 12..alot of cashiers are scheduled to work at 10 pm..i am guessing that the doorbusters are at 12..but i was told deffinately no early morning sale..

[Deal Grabber]

Wise move by WM. 3 door buster opportunities that either keeps in you the store or keeps you coming back. Empty the wallets of the sheeple before the competition get's them in their door. This only works if they have something worthy of going in for at 8:00. Last year, the real door busters still happened at 5:00 am so there were hundreds of sleep deprived zombies wondering around WM from midnight to 5:00, spilling stuff, trying to sleep in the shelves and otherwise creating a fire harzard at the store.

 

LMAO!!!I think i just pee'd reading this.true oh so true.

[allshoppedout]

i was told at work today that walmart is having a 10pm sale..and 12 am..with no 5 am sale,just 10 and 12..alot of cashiers are scheduled to work at 10 pm..i am guessing that the doorbusters are at 12..but i was told deffinately no early morning sale..

This is off topic but I absolutely LOVE your avatar, if that's your baby's hand, what an amazing pic. LOVE it.

 

On topic, I think my husband is going to like the 10/12 schedule, he hates falling asleep for 1-2 hr. turkey night and waking up zombie like...

[audrey06]

I'm not reading all the way thru. Best friend just confirmed for me - 10 PM DOOR BUSTERS ARE AVAILABLE, 12 AM EVERYTHING ELSE THAT IS ON SALE!!! She's an asst manager for a wallyworld.

[starbeck96]

I'm not reading all the way thru. Best friend just confirmed for me - 10 PM DOOR BUSTERS ARE AVAILABLE, 12 AM EVERYTHING ELSE THAT IS ON SALE!!! She's an asst manager for a wallyworld.

I really hope this is true. This will allow me to make it to the other stores before everything is gone. I live in a small town and Walmart is the only major retail store here. So, after I go to Walmart I always leave and go out of town about 45 minutes to do some more of my shopping. Then I leave there and drive another 45 minutes so I can go to TRU and Guitar Center. So if this is true, then it will allow me enough time to get there without missing out on everything!!

[DaFees]

Well I must throw my two cents in here and say that this 10pm/12am business could be real bad for Wal-Mart. See from what I've come to gather is that stores will match most everything except the doorbusters because the doorbusters are usually store specific models that can't be price matched, think laptops and such. See my point here is the main reason you would go to Wal-Mart is for the doorbusters because techinically everything else could be gotten from other stores with a price match so then if Wal-Mart has their doorbusters at 10pm, then come midnight, what reason do you have to want to stick around in at Wal-Mart when you can instead go to another store like Target or Best Buy. However if the doorbusters are midnight, then they have you. Come in at 10pm to get movies and clothes and such all dirt cheap, then stick around an hour or two and get the great deal on that laptop or TV or whatever. I hope Wal-Mart has though this all through, but if they are doing doorbusters at 10pm, then like I said they may be shooting themselves in the foot here.

[audrey06]

I really hope this is true. This will allow me to make it to the other stores before everything is gone. I live in a small town and Walmart is the only major retail store here. So, after I go to Walmart I always leave and go out of town about 45 minutes to do some more of my shopping. Then I leave there and drive another 45 minutes so I can go to TRU and Guitar Center. So if this is true, then it will allow me enough time to get there without missing out on everything!!

It's true - she was so giddy to call me and tell me what walmart was doing on Bf before I could tell her. she usually finds out walmart information from me and she's works there!

[BlackFriDiva]

It's true - she was so giddy to call me and tell me what walmart was doing on Bf before I could tell her. she usually finds out walmart information from me and she's works there!

This will suck for me. I'd have to make a choice between TRU and WM and I love them both

[shar6576]

wow i was kinda looking forward to dragging my but up at 3am w no coffee,because there was no where to go to the batroom,standing outside freezing in the rain and snow.screaming at them bums that jumped out of their nice warm cars.2 mins.before the door opened.and yelling at the tv camera on my way through the door.lmao...wow the lines are gonna start early for the big ticket items.maybe walmart will be kind enough to serve dinner.lol.

[barc]

I'm not reading all the way thru. Best friend just confirmed for me - 10 PM DOOR BUSTERS ARE AVAILABLE, 12 AM EVERYTHING ELSE THAT IS ON SALE!!! She's an asst manager for a wallyworld.

I like it! Get there early (5 in the afternoon-ish), get what you want and out by 12:15. Head over to Target (in the same mall) and get the left-over DB's there and then head over to Sears and wait in line there until 4:00 (again in the same mall). Home by 5:00 for online shoppint, donuts and sleep. An entire BF experience in less than 12 hours.

[starbeck96]

It's true - she was so giddy to call me and tell me what walmart was doing on Bf before I could tell her. she usually finds out walmart information from me and she's works there!

I am sure that our Walmart will do the same also. I love it! I do wish all the stores would go back to 5-10 but if that is not going to happen at least by spreading out a few doorbuster times I can shop other stores also. I will have to get finished with my Thanksgiving dinner and get cleaned up by 7 and then go line up at Walmart..lol. That is if there is a doorbuster worth lining up for..

[redspider61]

had my meetin with our district manager last night he confirmed sales at 10 pm ,midnight and 8am...10 would be for the low priced things that you wouldnt stand in line for.. the higher priced que lines begin formin at 8pm with that sale at midnight... the 8am is like a normal saturday after black friday sale jus on friday lol.. listen qwe dont like all this confusion anymore than ya'll do but ill try my hardest to keep you updated when i receive word..

[Pnambic]

Ok, please excuse my ignorance on this. I've never done the wait in line thing at Walmart for BF, but considering all the Walmarts around here are 24 hours anymore, the logistics of this have intrigued me.

 

So for the doorbusters that start at 10pm on Thursday, when will Walmart allow the line to start forming? Where will they start the line, in the isle blocking other shoppers or outside? Assuming there will be multiple doorbuster items, would they form multiple lines outside and escort them in? Or will there be multiple queues in the store near the items? Camping out in the electronics section of a Walmart doesn't sound too bad - you've got a buncha TVs to watch, even a couple game systems set up, no worries about rain or snow or cold weather, etc. Might be tough to cook something up on the grill though... I read stories every year of people camping out for days for certain doorbusters, where does a 24 hour Walmart accommodate these people?

 

Sorry if these questions sound naive, but the pictures in my mind make Pamplona look like a springtime stroll through the park...

[racerfan]

Ok, please excuse my ignorance on this. I've never done the wait in line thing at Walmart for BF, but considering all the Walmarts around here are 24 hours anymore, the logistics of this have intrigued me.

 

So for the doorbusters that start at 10pm on Thursday, when will Walmart allow the line to start forming? Where will they start the line, in the isle blocking other shoppers or outside? Assuming there will be multiple doorbuster items, would they form multiple lines outside and escort them in? Or will there be multiple queues in the store near the items? Camping out in the electronics section of a Walmart doesn't sound too bad - you've got a buncha TVs to watch, even a couple game systems set up, no worries about rain or snow or cold weather, etc. Might be tough to cook something up on the grill though... I read stories every year of people camping out for days for certain doorbusters, where does a 24 hour Walmart accommodate these people?

 

Sorry if these questions sound naive, but the pictures in my mind make Pamplona look like a springtime stroll through the park...

I was at Walmart last year for the 1st time in about 8 years. I have to say my Walmart impressed me. I walked in the store around 10pm and was handed a map with areas marked with numbers. The key to the numbers was listed on the back. I was looking for the 32" Lcd t which happened to be #1. They had balloons at the end of the aisles with #s on them. #1 was in the bread aisle. You walked down the bread aisle and stopped when you reached the person in front (if there was a person if not you were 1st in line). The other end of the aisle was corded off. I set up my shopping cart, my chair and got comfortable. My DD was with me so she went walking around. She said there were balloons all over the place. At midnight the small sales began, DD held my spot and I went and got my stuff, I was told I did not have to check out since I was waiting for the 5am sale and could do it all at once. During my wait Walmart employees came by with snacks, water and other stuff, and they answered any questions we had. The manager came by and would count how many were on li:Dne. Once we reached the limit of how many 32" tvs I was there for the closed the line. Just before 5am pallets were brought over to the head of the line and at 5 they started handing the tvs out as we walked by and went down the next empty aisle which had been blocked off to traffic so no one could just run up and grab a tv.

 

I was out of Walmart by 5:30 and that included going and getting some other little things that went on sale at 5am like hard drives and memory cards. I will be going back to Walmart this year if they have anything I want, it was quite relaxing, I had my ads, my phone, a book to read, and DH was at home on the computer ordering what I needed online. Plus I was warm and dry since it was raining outside

[Pnambic]

I was at Walmart last year for the 1st time in about 8 years. I have to say my Walmart impressed me. I walked in the store around 10pm and was handed a map with areas marked with numbers. The key to the numbers was listed on the back. I was looking for the 32" Lcd t which happened to be #1. They had balloons at the end of the aisles with #s on them. #1 was in the bread aisle. You walked down the bread aisle and stopped when you reached the person in front (if there was a person if not you were 1st in line). The other end of the aisle was corded off. I set up my shopping cart, my chair and got comfortable. My DD was with me so she went walking around. She said there were balloons all over the place. At midnight the small sales began, DD held my spot and I went and got my stuff, I was told I did not have to check out since I was waiting for the 5am sale and could do it all at once. During my wait Walmart employees came by with snacks, water and other stuff, and they answered any questions we had. The manager came by and would count how many were on li:Dne. Once we reached the limit of how many 32" tvs I was there for the closed the line. Just before 5am pallets were brought over to the head of the line and at 5 they started handing the tvs out as we walked by and went down the next empty aisle which had been blocked off to traffic so no one could just run up and grab a tv.

 

I was out of Walmart by 5:30 and that included going and getting some other little things that went on sale at 5am like hard drives and memory cards. I will be going back to Walmart this year if they have anything I want, it was quite relaxing, I had my ads, my phone, a book to read, and DH was at home on the computer ordering what I needed online. Plus I was warm and dry since it was raining outside

 

Outstanding review. Thanks!

[BlackFriDiva]

I was at Walmart last year for the 1st time in about 8 years. I have to say my Walmart impressed me. I walked in the store around 10pm and was handed a map with areas marked with numbers. The key to the numbers was listed on the back. I was looking for the 32" Lcd t which happened to be #1. They had balloons at the end of the aisles with #s on them. #1 was in the bread aisle. You walked down the bread aisle and stopped when you reached the person in front (if there was a person if not you were 1st in line). The other end of the aisle was corded off. I set up my shopping cart, my chair and got comfortable. My DD was with me so she went walking around. She said there were balloons all over the place. At midnight the small sales began, DD held my spot and I went and got my stuff, I was told I did not have to check out since I was waiting for the 5am sale and could do it all at once. During my wait Walmart employees came by with snacks, water and other stuff, and they answered any questions we had. The manager came by and would count how many were on li:Dne. Once we reached the limit of how many 32" tvs I was there for the closed the line. Just before 5am pallets were brought over to the head of the line and at 5 they started handing the tvs out as we walked by and went down the next empty aisle which had been blocked off to traffic so no one could just run up and grab a tv.

 

I was out of Walmart by 5:30 and that included going and getting some other little things that went on sale at 5am like hard drives and memory cards. I will be going back to Walmart this year if they have anything I want, it was quite relaxing, I had my ads, my phone, a book to read, and DH was at home on the computer ordering what I needed online. Plus I was warm and dry since it was raining outside

This is basically what our Walmart did with the exception of the toy pallets, bikes and anything else that wasn't a high priced item. That was a free for all.

[georgiarose2004]

my SIL is a manager at WM. She just texted me the LD on the happenings at the Wallyworld for Black Friday.. 10pm- Only Game Systems 12am- Big Ticket items 8am- tires guns and assorted electronics. I hope this helps...

[Brad]

my SIL is a manager at WM. She just texted me the LD on the happenings at the Wallyworld for Black Friday.. 10pm- Only Game Systems 12am- Big Ticket items 8am- tires guns and assorted electronics. I hope this helps...

Since when does Walmart have guns in their BF ad? lol

 

And what about all the non-electronics items (toys, home, apparel, etc...)?

[peppysfireball]

Exactly. Our Walmart took out the gun sales completely. There isn't a walmart anywhere near me with guns.

Since when does Walmart have guns in their BF ad? lol

 

And what about all the non-electronics items (toys, home, apparel, etc...)?

[drewthom]

Here is how my local Wal-Mart worked last year.

 

Games, movies, houseware, bed-bath, toys, video games and clothes went on sale at midnight. There were employess supposedly stationed at each area, like the pallet that had the $1.50 towels on it. Some areas lost there employee and became a free for all, and I got many items at 11Pm. The towels were opened at 11:45 PM, the video games and such were a free for all. The funny part was the movies. Must have been 100 people wanting to crack open the displays of movies. They even had a few police officers there to monitor. Meanwhile I wanted the big ticket 5 am stuff like the Xbox last year. That line started when you got there. It was located in the Christmas aisles and you got a ticket. In "theory", you had to stay in line the whole time. No one was watching so I still shopped. The nice thing was that those who did not want the big ticket items, they were out of the store by 1:30 am. The only people left were stragglers and the people there for the 5 am. I had my oldest son with me, sitting in a line he had no clue was about, and was able to shop or go outside whenever I wanted to. McDonalds has a store in this Wal-Mart so they served food all night. About 3am they came around with water, coffee, 5 hour Energy drinks.

 

At 4:45 AM had the boy start the car, I checked out at 5:05 AM with ALL of the items I picked up, and was out the door!

 

I have my shopping down to a science and not sure I am gonna like the early openings. I like the 24-hour stores, especially Meijer. I have a secret way of shopping there and getting out quickly.

[georgiarose2004]

Well.... We got Guns. They always have a section just for them. Last year they had a special flyer just for them

[Klownicle]

Make sense for walmart to do Big Ticket at 12am. Everyone else is opening up at 12am that does big electronics.

 

And btw, am I the only one that is scared at the thought of Guns onsale at Black Friday?

[gatorburg]

I like the 5am opening. Never can make it to Walmart at 12am.

[racerfan]

Thanks Pnambic

 

BlackFriDiva there really was not free for all at our Walmart, as I said I was really impressed. I used to shop at Walmart on BF until it got so crazy I could stand on my shopping cart and be carried into the store. Last year was the 1st time in years I stepped into a Walmart on BF. I can't wait until 12:01am. On the pallets when they uncovered them employees were there handing out the items, people could not just grab and go. Those pallets were put along a back wall and blocked off also. There was a crowd but employees were just passing items out. Toward the end some people might have gotten mad that they did not get their items but it really was not bad:)

 

Brad my Walmart sells guns, I dont remember seeing any in a BF ad but they do have them in a section in the back of the store under lock and key. Hunting is very big here they even close the schools the Monday after Thanksgiving for the 1st day of Hunting Season. It was said so many kids missed school on that day because they went hunting that it was better to just close.

Edited November 9, 2011 by racerfan

[Brad]

Brad my Walmart sells guns, I dont remember seeing any in a BF ad but they do have them in a section in the back of the store under lock and key. Hunting is very big here they even close the schools the Monday after Thanksgiving for the 1st day of Hunting Season. It was said so many kids missed school on that day because they went hunting that it was better to just close.

Oh I know they sell them - just that I've never seen them in a BF ad.

[xxxbrendoxxx]

I feel for all you guys when it comes to these odd openings. It actually benefits us in here in Mass because they can't open at 10 PM or Midnight and have to open at a set time. Last year was alot of confusion and people got in line early thanksgiving thinking they were opening early and when they didn't, these people left and made it easier for us who actually knew. Same thing will happen this year ..people will see the ad saying all these times, but won't read the fine print stating *Check your local store for hours*..as they missed last year. When I arrived last year at Wal-Mart the line was half the size I had seen it the year before and most associates said it was due to the time problem.

[chefbry]

Due in part to Best Buy opening at midnight...The BIG items (TV's, etc.) will start at midnight, while rest of ad items start at 10pm Thanksgiving night.

[bfaddict1977]

so can you get inside the store at 8 or will you be waiting outside? I'm thinking of leaving at 9 pm. I only want the toys and dvds. Don't need any major electronics.

[riven3d]

all stores here are 24 hours

[TazErase]

Out of hand if you ask me. Next you will see big box retailers staying open on thanksgiving.

Some already do. Kmart often has a Thanksgiving Day sale for a number of years. The stores are practically deserted, lol, but they have the sale. I was on line for Best Buy and decided to check it out last year. There were about 40 people on line when it opened and then when I went back a few hours later it had less than 10 customers in the store. Many people are rebelling against the Thanksgiving Day sales, but they are more than willing to get in lines AFTER they have their turkey dinner. You're going to start seeing more and more retailers opening at 10pm next year, but shouldn't get too much sooner than that.... I hope! The die-hard Black Friday shoppers are often on line early Thursday and don't do Thanksgiving. The ones that aren't on line are not going to start Black Friday much earlier than after their dinner.