Walmart, Kmart announce Black Friday-esque deals for days other than Black Friday

Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping or find a couple of insane bargains to keep for yourself? A few retailers are offering what they've dubbed "Black Friday-style" price cuts for tomorrow -- Saturday, November 8th. Walmart's got a sweet 15.4-inch Compaq CQ-139WM (with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive) laptop for $298, in addition to a PlayStation 2 bundled with a $30 WalMart gift card for $129, and a PlayStation 3 with a $100 gift card for $399. Over at Kmart they're offering up a rad 32-inch Sylvania LCD HDTV for $439.99 (they usually go for for $550). They also have several deals for Sunday, November 9th, including the Wii Fit for $89.99. Is it safe to assume that every Friday (not to mention Saturday and Sunday) until Christmas will be "black"? For the full, mind-blowing rundown, hit the read links.

[Via CNET, I4U News]

Read - Kmart
Read - Walmart Backs Main Street

[Lowest Ranked @ Nov 7th 2008 8:28PM]

I'm going to the liquor store. Any requests?

[Flashpoint @ Nov 7th 2008 10:39PM]

Retailers have figured out that, while Black Friday sales usually account ffor a large chunk of their yearly revenue, the drop in consumer spending is going to make this year's Black Friday (as well as Christmas) inadequate for their fiscal projections.

I predict total consumer spending is going to be down over 30%...and that ain't good.

Therefore, sales like these entice you to unload some of that pesky cash.

Buy a $399 PS3 and get $100 gift card - LOL.
Then you can use that gift card to buy a Dual Shock controller and a game ! but, you'll still need to add about $20 of your own money.

[Ian @ Nov 7th 2008 11:12PM]

Thanks for making a completely arbitrary prediction of a 30% drop in sales. Why not just predict 31.7% while you're at it. Add a few more decimal places if you wish.

[Flashpoint @ Nov 8th 2008 12:21AM]

well, I do pay attention to the Wall Street Journal and stockwatch.

this isn't me just making numbers up... If you don't believe it maybe you should do some simple research and take a look at automotive sales, retail sales and produce sales drops.

[phanbouy @ Nov 8th 2008 1:04AM]

way to top post melting point

[Peter @ Nov 8th 2008 1:32AM]

I think you are getting mixed up with just auto sales and the retail sales stats in general.

Consumer spending accounts for nearly two-thirds of U.S. GDP. So what you are saying is that GDP will fall by 20%. The great depression did not even produce figures like that. 1930 saw 10% falls in GDP in places around the world.

I think you may have to revise your 'predictions'. Even a slight fall in retail spending (which we are seeing now) has a large impact. Have you changed your spending habits by 30%? I don't think so.

[Peter @ Nov 8th 2008 1:34AM]

Also, unloading your 'pesky cash' into loss making ventures doesn't produce net gains obviously. The stores push these days to get people to spend on other items while they are in the store.

[Timothy @ Nov 8th 2008 2:46AM]

I believe sales will be down 1653%.
I know this because I work at Wal-mart.


See how stupid I look.

[Jake @ Nov 8th 2008 5:59AM]

Thats one hell of a PS3 deal. I lost lost out last year, I'm sure not getting left out this one...

[Cate @ Nov 14th 2008 3:44PM]

Just make it a case...or two.

[Ignatius @ Nov 7th 2008 8:28PM]

Wii Fit is normally $89.99. How is that a deal?

[youngstunna @ Nov 7th 2008 8:30PM]

because they put a SALE! sign on the display

[Game_playa @ Nov 7th 2008 9:56PM]

because they put a CLEARANCE! sign on the display

[blueangel00100 @ Nov 7th 2008 8:36PM]

Oh I didn't know Christmas started 2 months early this year.

(-.-)

[Magallanes @ Nov 7th 2008 9:05PM]

When is Hanukkah?.

[E.J. @ Nov 8th 2008 7:26AM]

As Flashpoint said above, it's all about encouraging consumer spending. You get these "deals" now. By the time the holidays come around, the real deals come out.

Think about how/why gas prices have been at their lowest since last year.

[Vonn64 @ Nov 7th 2008 8:37PM]

Compaq CQ-139WM?
you mean Compaq CQ-130WM?

[blueangel00100 @ Nov 7th 2008 8:41PM]

No they mean the

-- $298 Compaq CQ-139WM 15.4" laptop with 2GB RAM and 160GB hard
drive.**

(taken from the walmart read link...)

[Vonn64 @ Nov 7th 2008 8:46PM]

Sorry about that.. missed it. thought it was a typo as there are no Compaq CQ-139WM's on wal-mart's page Today...

weird..

[blueangel00100 @ Nov 7th 2008 9:01PM]

Walmart is launching one-day savings this Saturday, Nov. 8. (Won't be available until tomorrow)

In the read link again. (-.-)

[Vonn64 @ Nov 7th 2008 9:03PM]

well yeah, i get that. but i mean the laptop model isnt being sold at all. probably just getting introduced tomorrow?
you know what i'm trying to say?
haha.. and yes, -_-' is right.. :P

[Joseph @ Nov 8th 2008 6:18AM]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10326306

[Bob @ Nov 7th 2008 8:44PM]

Hmm yes. The ps3 is sexy and kicks xbox 360s ass!

[--------- @ Nov 7th 2008 8:51PM]

The Wallyworld link lista Blu-Ray player for $198,

Now there's no reason at all to buy a PS3...

[Poom @ Nov 7th 2008 9:14PM]

100$ to extra to play games... I think people would still buy it solely to play blu-ray

[Smart People Play Tuba @ Nov 8th 2008 7:43PM]

This is the exact same PS3 deal Wally World had back in March (or April, can't remember). That $100 card went straight into the Wal-Mart gas pump. And as Poom hypothesized, we have only used it as a Blu-Ray player. We haven't bought any games for it. Since I hate Sony, this means that they're actually losing money on us, so it's all good.

[Smart People Play Tuba @ Nov 8th 2008 7:45PM]

Oh, it was June. Here's the link:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/wal-mart-throws-in-100-gift-card-with-blu-ray-player-purchase/

So, after 5 months, the best Sony and Wal-Mart can come up with is the EXACT SAME deal?

[Michael @ Nov 7th 2008 8:49PM]

Those deals still aren't as good as the actual Black Friday deals.

Leaked BF ads here: http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com

[Chino B @ Nov 7th 2008 8:51PM]

Which Playstation 3 is it? the 80GB?

[Colin Potter @ Nov 7th 2008 11:28PM]

It's the only PS3 available right now... the 80GB sans backwards compatibility

[)ROFL( @ Nov 7th 2008 8:55PM]

Just looking at that controller makes me uncomfortable.

[Brendan @ Nov 7th 2008 9:41PM]

While I like the 360 controller better, the PS1/2/3 controller is still pretty good when it comes to comfort.

[Flashpoint @ Nov 7th 2008 10:34PM]

The PS2 controller is comfortable but, the position of the D-pad/left analog stick works so much better for the adult hand when its swapped like it is on the 360.

It is a FPS preference I believe.

[gonintendo @ Nov 8th 2008 8:52AM]

The 360 controller seems more comfortable, but it gives me cramps after long playtimes. I have had none of these cramps with the dualshock 3.

[Aldeezy @ Nov 7th 2008 9:44PM]

I work at Wal-mart, and they have had the same buy a ps3 and get $100 gift card deal before. I remember during the beginning of this promotion, customers would return the ps3 and keep the giftcard, until wal-mart smartened up. lol

[JC @ Nov 7th 2008 9:55PM]

I was just wondering if you buy the PS3 and get the gift card. Then return the PS3 will the gift card still work. If it does I'm definitely buying one.

[klew @ Nov 7th 2008 10:02PM]

Typically, you will be charged $100 for the gift card, and get a promotional price of $299 for the PS3, so if you try to return the PS3, you still pay for the $100 gift card. However, you should also only be charged tax on the $299 PS3, not on the purchase of a gift card.

[Daza @ Nov 7th 2008 10:06PM]

We can't have nice things because of people like you.

[toddlorensinclair @ Nov 7th 2008 10:00PM]

Wal-mart $298 laptop

Go to Compaq/HP pages about this laptop.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3804159&lang=en&
Not a product specification anywhere?

The FAQ should be enough to give you pause!

» Fixing WebCam Problems

» Precautions to Take Before Updating to Vista Service Pack 1

» Update to Vista SP1 Frequently Asked Questions

» How to Improve the Performance of the Battery

» Updating Drivers and Software with Windows Update

» Resolving No Sound or Audio Problems in Vista

» Unable to Use or Install Microsoft Office 2007 (Cannot find Missing Product Key)

» Resolving Microphone Problems

» Checking Your Notebook PC Using the HP System Health Scan

» Locating and Using the Product Number and Model Number

» Testing a Webcam in Vista with YouCam

» Resolving Coprocessor Error Message

» Improving the Performance of Your Computer

» Obtaining a Recovery CD or DVD set for Windows Vista

[Daza @ Nov 7th 2008 10:08PM]

These are just general FAQs for the whole series. And strangely enough, HP often don't post product specifications, particularly on exclusive deals like these. That or they will have details up within a few days.

[iofthestorm @ Nov 7th 2008 11:46PM]

Hmm? Those are just general problem solving tips they have for most of their laptops, I don't know what's wrong with you. Maybe if you actually read the FAQs you would understand. Eg. unable to run Office basically says enter a product key or buy Office.

[neothespian @ Nov 8th 2008 1:01AM]

I'm looking forward to these black friday deals because with the economy cutting jobs (like mine) at a 25 year high, I'm having to trade my laptop for a car!! Then again, my current one is a Toshiba A105 with vista basic and a 80gig HD. So, even the "crappy" Compaq from Wal Mart sounds better than what I got.

I say stretch out the black friday deals as long as you can!!! We as the consumer could surely use the break.

Just.... don't can anyone else for it. At this point, the layoffs in the tech and retail field are getting a bit too thick (not that I ever shopped at CC, but everyone needs a paycheck ya know)

[Billy @ Nov 8th 2008 3:01AM]

Whatever. These deals are nowhere near what you normally see on Black Friday. BF you actually save a ton of money, you dont get lame gift certificates that you have to come back to the store to spend later. Seriously - Engadget, this is not post-worthy. Did Walmart pay you to post this or something? It's a total fucknig sham.

[Billy @ Nov 8th 2008 3:03AM]

Oh I forgot the absolutely mind blowing 32 inch TV. Wow, so big! I can't believe it! And I can save an amazing $110, yet the final price is still a rip off! I might as well take a shit on my own head because that's about how much I would enjoy that sucker.

[Michael @ Nov 12th 2008 11:45AM]

With World of Warcraft Wrath of the Lich king coming out Next week nothing will matter after that.

[Galley @ Nov 8th 2008 8:38AM]

Screw Christmas! I only celebrate Festivus (and St. Patrick's Day, because there's green beer involved).

[eric f. @ Nov 8th 2008 11:13AM]

The PS3 deal is sold out already. wonderful promotion. You would think that they would make a point of having a supply to meet the demand, considering they promoted this with a freakin' press release...

[demonicman93 @ Nov 8th 2008 11:57AM]

i just got mine at walmart! mine was the last one in the store.

[Dan @ Nov 8th 2008 12:45PM]

Kmart Thanksgiving day deals leaked today: http://tgiblackfriday.com

[Ravi @ Nov 8th 2008 1:02PM]

Be careful with the gift card that Walmart gives. I have had it for more than 8 months (when they gave 40GB PS3) when they had similar deal and could not use it. Once you use enter the gift card online to buy stuff, they all become unavailable. Only some limited quantities can be bought. None of the good games I wanted to buy were available online after I entered the gift card. Same with Sam's club. So buyers beware.