In the movie Conan the Barbarian, the lead character is asked, "What is best in life?"
His answer is: "To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you."
Perhaps Wal-Mart is not looking to crush its competitors, but with 68 days left before Christmas, the nation's largest toy retailer is clearly ready to do battle with a price rollback on more than 100 toys and games.
"Throughout the Christmas shopping season we will offer the best prices and merchandise that provides solutions for time-starved customers," said John Fleming, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Wal-Mart Stores in a press release, "There's more to come."
Wal-Mart, as Mr. Fleming suggested, is only getting started with its rollbacks. The retailer said consumers could expect to see thousands of prices discounted on a whole host of holiday gift and related items.
"We are making toys affordable and accessible to everyone with prices that are significantly lower than elsewhere," said Scott McCall, vice president and divisional merchandising manager Wal-Mart Stores. "Wal-Mart is helping families get a head start in the holiday shopping game by presenting a one-stop destination to get what they need and want at the best prices."
The chain promised to be especially competitive when it came to board games. "On average, our rollbacks on board games make the prices comparable to what they were 20 years ago," said Mr. McCall.
Discussion Questions: Will there be anything different with how consumers shop for toys and other holiday gifts this Christmas season? How should Wal-Mart's competitors react publicly to its announcement on price rollbacks for toys this far in advance of Christmas?