Walmart announces its multi-part Black Friday plans [Video]

Walmart is hosting a series of “Black Friday Deals” events in November, taking full advantage of the shopping holiday’s unusually late timing in 2024.

The company announced Monday the return of its staggered seasonal sales, which will involve extra early access for paid Walmart+ members, new surprise deal drops, and an expanded beta test of its new generative AI shopping assistant this year. Annual Walmart+ subscriptions are now just $49 (or 50% off) through Dec. 2 to entice shoppers who haven’t signed up yet.

The big-box store is the second major retailer to announce its 2024 Black Friday schedule, coming hot on Best Buy‘s tail. (The electronics store will also offer Black Friday deals weeks in advance.)

Walmart’s first two Black Friday Deals events are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 11 and Monday, Nov. 25. They’ll both begin online at 12 p.m. ET for Walmart+ members before opening to the public at 5 p.m. ET. (Last …