As usual, Walmart will have some of the cheapest TVs around, as well as an Xbox One bundle for people who don't like Assassin's Creed.
Once again, Walmart is rolling out its doorbusters in "Events," or specified chunks of time. Event 1 starts at 6 pm local time on Thanksgiving, with Event 2 at 8 pm, and Event 3 at 6 am on Black Friday. Ostensibly, you could skip Event 1 and head to the store later to pick up the Event 2 doorbusters, and so on. Of course, what this actually means is that you might have to stay at Walmart longer to get everything on your in-store list — a great sales strategy for the retailer, but a real headache for crowd-weary consumers.
One bonus of heading to the store is the return of 1-Hour Guaranteed Doorbusters. Shoppers who brave the crowds from 6 pm to 7 pm local time are guaranteed to nab a coveted item, or Walmart will get it to them by Christmas (and at the doorbuster price). Unfortunately, the guarantee doesn't come back for the second and third Events; you're on your own for those deals! Still, with lots of in-store only deals gracing the ad, it's nice to know you don't necessarily have to fight the crowd to physically get your hands on a doorbuster.
In-Store Deals That Are Worth the Hassle
Vizio 65" 1080p Smart LED LCD HDTV for $648
Even if you don't consider Vizio to be a brand-name manufacturer, this 65" Smart TV doorbuster is spectacular.
Element 60" 1080p LED LCD HDTV for $498
If the 65" above is out of your price range, you can still bag a super-cheap big screen with this 8 pm doorbuster if brand isn't a consideration.
Xbox One Halo: The Master Chief Collection Bundle with a $30 Walmart Gift Card for $329
Although Target is offering the Assassin's Creed Unity version of this bundle paired with a $50 gift card, shoppers might think twice about dropping so much cash on a game that one critic called "my least favorite major Assassin's Creed since the 2007 original." On the other hand, this 6 pm doorbuster comes with four Halo games (as opposed to the other bundle's two), access to a beta, and more.
Beats by Dr. Dre Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for $149
Assuming you aren't interested in the $80 Beats Solo HD headphones at Best Buy, these cans will please the bass-heavy music fan on your list.
RCA 7" 8GB Android Tablet for $29
This off-brand Android tablet comes within $9 of hitting our rock-bottom tablet prediction of $20.
Fitbit Flex Wireless Wristband for $69
Should an activity tracker be on your wishlist, head to Walmart at 8 pm to grab the cheapest Fitbit Flex around.
4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner for $99
Although the summer months typically see better grill sales than Black Friday, this gas grill is a steal.
Dyson DC33 Multi-Floor Bagless Upright Vacuum for $199
Somewhere, a Dyson fan just fainted. We predicted that new Dysons would start at around $250, and this 6 pm doorbuster demolishes that price by $51.
Rachel Ray 15-Piece Porcelain Enamel Nonstick Cookware Set for $89
Cookware sets are an excellent buy on Black Friday, and this one is no exception.
