As the holidays ramp up, retailers such as Walmart are leaning heavily on aggressive deals to spur consumer spending — and the results are unmistakable. For instance, on December 9, Walmart featured a deal of the day on a JBL Charge 6 speaker, discounted nearly 40 % off — a strategic move to attract price‑conscious shoppers looking for gift options.
Discounts as a Signal and Hook
According to recent analysis of more than 47,000 holiday deals, the average discount offered by Walmart during Black Friday and Cyber‑Monday has surged from roughly 35 % in 2020 to about 58 % in 2025.
These steep markdowns serve as strong signals to deal‑hunters — a cohort that, according to holiday‑season consumer‑behavior data, remains a major share of buyers even amid economic uncertainty.
Strategic Timing and Omnichannel Execution
Rather than concentrating discounts on a single weekend, Walmart has adopted a multi‑wave holiday promotion model — launching early deals beginning mid‑November, peaking during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and maintaining momentum into December.
This extended window aims to stretch out sales over more time, fitting into fluctuating budgets and consumers’ preferences for convenience.
Moreover, Walmart combines deep discounts with omnichannel logistics: fast online fulfillment, store pickup, or same‑day delivery — making it easier for shoppers to buy when they see a deal.
Why Deals Drive Results (Even in a Tough Economy)
Though overall holiday spending in 2025 might grow more slowly — some forecasts point to modest increases compared to previous years due to inflation and spending fatigue — e‑commerce remains a bright spot. Retailers offering strong discounts and easy digital access are better positioned to attract buyers looking for value.
In short, by coupling significant discounts (like flash deals and deep holiday markdowns) with modern logistics and omnichannel convenience, retailers such as Walmart convert holiday urgency and deal‑seeking behavior into sales — even when consumers are tighter with their budgets.