When Amazon, Walmart and Target hold early holiday sales
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Holiday shopping is starting early. Target's Circle Week is live and Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days and Walmart's Deals event launch Tuesday — as tariffs and economic jitters spark an October shopping sprint.
Why it matters: The early blitz shows how retail giants are front-loading deals to reach cautious consumers.
The big picture: The October sales surge — once a pandemic-era experiment — has become a key retail moment, kicking off the holiday shopping season weeks ahead of Black Friday.
- Retailers have warned that some seasonal events could be affected by tariffs, with shortages and higher prices possible.
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days: What time does it start?
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days 2025 are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday — with millions of deals on categories ranging from electronics and beauty to toys and home goods, including several Ninja-brand appliance items.
- The sale is exclusive to Prime members, who can start shopping at 12:01am PDT or 3am ET and access features like generative AI tools for help curating gift ideas.
- Amazon is positioning the event as the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season.
Walmart Deals start Tuesday with early access today
Walmart's first holiday deals event of the season, Walmart Deals, runs from 12am ET Tuesday through Sunday, Oct. 12 online, in stores and through its app.
- The world's largest retailer said the weeklong event is designed to help families save more and shop smarter as they prepare for the holidays. It's offering up to 50% off tens of thousands of items across toys, fashion, electronics, home, and décor.
The intrigue: The sale is open to all shoppers, with Walmart+ members getting a five-hour head start at 7pm ET Monday.
Target Circle Week deals
Target's biggest Target Circle Week started Sunday and runs through Saturday, Oct. 11, offering up to 50% off thousands of items across essentials, apparel, home, toys, and early holiday gifts.
- The sale features Deal of the Day offers starting at 40% off top brands like Apple, GE, and Crocs, plus seasonal savings on Halloween and fall fashion.
- Target Circle members can earn $10 in rewards for every $100 spent and can save 5% with the Target Circle credit or debit card.
Best Buy Techtober sale
Best Buy's sale continues through Sunday, Oct. 12 with deals on laptops, televisions and more at over 50% off.
- Last month, Best Buy was one of first retailers to share early holiday plans, which include its new digital marketplace, new gaming consoles, more computers with AI capabilities and sports merchandise from Fanatics.
Costco Member Savings Days
Costco's five-day sale started Monday and runs through Friday, Oct. 10.
- Product availability is while supplies last for the online sale, the wholesale club said on its website.
Kohl's Cyber Deals 2025
Kohl's 4-Day Cyber Deals sale started Monday and continues through Thursday, Oct. 9. The sale, which is in-store and online, is a day longer than in 2024, the retailer said.
- The sale features up to 50% off thousands of products across home, apparel, beauty and more.
- Shoppers can stack savings with an extra 25% off coupon, free shipping, and $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent. Some exclusions apply.
Staples Easy Deal Days
Staples launched its first-ever Easy Deal Days on Sunday, which continues through Saturday, Oct. 11 "with discounts of up to 40% on over 1,000 products."
- The deals are available both in stores and online. Easy Rewards loyalty members unlock exclusive offers and points-earning benefits during the event, including 100% back in points on all luggage, up to $250 in points.
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