Wal-Mart: Why wait for Black Friday?

While other retailers are gearing up for the three-day shopping extravaganza affectionately known as Black Friday, tomorrow (Friday) Wal-Mart kicks off its own holiday shopping season three weeks early with special deals on what it says are five of the most sought-after items.

Among the deals: a $99 Toshiba HD DVD player, a $998 50-inch Sanyo plasma HDTV, and a $348 Acer notebook computer (with 1GB of RAM). The official Wal-Mart “secret” deal website can be accessed by clicking this link.

Toshiba’s HD DVD players could be big sellers this holiday, as many retailers are already offering significant cuts on its entry-level HD-A2 model. Both Amazon.com and Circuit City last week cut the price of the player, which had been $299, to under $200. Wal-Mart’s $99 price—it's also selling select HD DVD tiles for $15 each—is the lowest we’ve seen. Wal-Mart’s in-store sale kicks off at 8:00 a.m. and lasts as long as supplies last. Prices in three states—Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Utah—could vary due to each state’s regulations. We'll keep tracking Black Friday specials as they're revealed.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[Ruby banks]

I'd like to find a 50 inch Sanyo Plasma HDTV for $998.00. Walmart only had 6 per store. Thanks

[Jim T]

I can't get the computer for $348.00. Did anyone have luck?

[Jim Willcox]

Hi, Jay. This was a one-day special deal for both retailers (Wal-Mart and Best Buy). We'll be monitoring both dealers—and others—to see if it's repeated.—Jim Willcox

[Jay Wilkins]

I can't access the link above to get the "secret" deal. I'd like to find this Toshiba HD DVD player for $99!

Can someone help me out? Thanks.