Retail Radar: Black Friday Blitz; Best Buy Livestreams

Path to Purchase Institute members have access to regularly updated profiles, which can be accessed here. Recent news includes several retailers readying for the holidays, with websites that feature shoppable components and festive flair as well as head starts and exclusives for loyalty program members. 

Holiday Prep

Even before Halloween went into the rearview mirror, retailers started rolling out holiday promotions, and now that November is upon us, they continue to unleash a flurry of seasonal offerings. A sampling:

• Lowe's: The retailer is releasing a steady flow of deals over the next few weeks, including daily markdowns, chances to win prizes, and expedited delivery. In addition, professionals can take advantage of the return of the retailer's annual PROvember savings event.
• Dollar General: The discount store is pricing more seasonal items at $1, holding three-day weekend sales; upping the appeal of in-app offers; launching immersive toy and holiday landing pages, with interactive guides and shoppable links. 
• Walmart: The retailer has two Black Friday events on the calendar, with early access for Walmart+ members. It's also enhancing the online shopping experience with the ability to "heart" wanted items and share the list with friends and family. Also on tap: An inflation-proof Thanksgiving meal and improved fulfillment of e-commerce orders.
• Target: Target is promoting a Thanksgiving meal deal that won't bust people's budgets. It's also adding festive features to both its stores and its app and website.
• PetSmart: The pet store launched its holiday shop with gifts and festive finds. It's also offering grooming and boarding packages, same-day delivery and curbside pickup options, special play events, and gifts that give back. 

Best Buy Unveils Ads and Shoppable Experiences

The retailer is launching several holiday spots designed to play up the fun of exploring at Best Buy as well as the ease of shopping its site and app. It also has some shoppable livestream events planned, with demos and deals on tap.

BJ's 20th State

The warehouse club is opening its first club in Alabama, extending its retail footprint to 20 states.

Circle K's Cash-Back Collab

The convenience store is continuing its partnership with retail tech company Upside, which generates personalized cash-back offers to draw customers to stores for first-time visits as well as to encourage repeat business.

Store of the Future

Walmart is celebrating the grand re-opening of more than 100 stores with a new look inside and out, more space for discovery, added digital touchpoints and more. It's just of taste of what's to come, as the retailer plans to revamp more than 1,400 stores in the next couple years.