Walmart Boosts Store Hours, Rolls Out Phase 2 Of Black Friday Deals

Walmart is extending most of its stores’ hours beginning Saturday (Nov. 14) – adding an hour or more of shopping time just in time for the holiday season.

The retail giant disclosed via Twitter that it plans to keep most Walmart and Neighborhood Market locations open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. “This will give customers more time to shop and help us disperse traffic throughout the day,” Walmart wrote in a tweet.

Starting November 14, Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open 7 AM to 11 PM until further notice. This will give customers more time to shop and help us disperse traffic throughout the day. Stores with more reduced hours will keep current hours of operation. pic.twitter.com/mNFDhtWej8

— Walmart (@Walmart) October 23, 2020

The extension continues a trend that began in August of the chain reversing operational cuts put into place when COVID-19 first struck. In March, Walmart cut most stores’ hours to 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Then in August, the retailer extended most stores’ operating hours to 10 p.m. Now, the chain is pushing the closing time another hour to 11 p.m.

Walmart will also roll out the second phase of its three-part “Black Friday Deals for Days” sale, in which the chain is offering three Black Friday sales instead of just one on the day after Thanksgiving.

The sale’s second phase began online on Wednesday (Nov. 18), but will expand to in-store purchases on Saturday (Nov. 14). Walmart said the sale “will offer techies great deals on electronics like TVs, computers and tablets. Amazing savings on movies, music and items in apparel, hardlines, home and more will also be available. … Walmart will also host its biggest wireless phone event ever in-stores and online on Sat., Nov. 14, with amazing deals on iPhones and Samsung phones.”

Scott McCall, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., said that consumers “trust Walmart to deliver an amazing Black Friday year after year. Although this year’s event looks different, our commitment to what our customers depend on us for – the absolute best prices of the season on hot gifts from top brands – hasn’t changed.

“I’m really excited that this year, when it matters most to our customers, we’re offering them more convenient and safer ways to shop Black Friday at Walmart, whether that’s from the shelf in one of our stores, ordering online and picking it up curbside or having it delivered right to their front door.”