Walmart.com is looking to one-up its online competitors with a new free shipping deal in the run-up to Christmas, according to The New York Times.
The free shipping deal, which will run through Dec. 20, will extend to 60,000 gift items and will not require a minimum purchase. Items pictured on the Walmart.com home page that are part of the offer include HDTVs, laptops, camcorders, home theater systems, photo gifts and musical instruments. Other categories include entertainment furniture, fragrances, personalized jewelry and toys.
"Everyone's trying to figure out how we can serve a customer that's trying to save every penny they can," Steve Nave, senior vice president and general manager of Walmart.com, told the Times. "It's the most competitive offer out there, and we're pretty excited about it."
The move by Walmart comes as many others have offered special shipping deals as a means to spur sales.
Interestingly, Walmart has said it will not put pressure on shipping companies to absorb some of the costs associated with providing free shipping on so many items. The retailer also said it was not raising prices to help offset costs.
Mr. Nave said items selected for free shipping were those most likely to be given as gifts. He also said he expected that the company would likely continue to offer similar programs beyond the holiday season.
Other retailers that offer free shipping before Christmas find they are unable to maintain the program year-round.
"We'd love to be able to offer free shipping, but free shipping isn't free," said Laurie Brooks, a spokesperson for L.L. Bean, told the Times. "It does cost a company money."
Discussion Questions: What will Walmart's free shipping program mean in the competition for online sales this holiday season? How can smaller retailers compete in an environment of free shipping offers and subscription programs such as Amazon Prime?