How Do Retailers Compare In Their Toy Prices?
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) -- Stores are already competing for your holiday shopping dollars. Walmart announced today it will match prices of competitors even after the purchase is made.
Here is how it works: Walmart says if you buy something at their store and later find it on sale somewhere else, Walmart will give the consumer a gift card for the difference.
The matching policy is in effect for purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25.
The Walmart policy includes one of the most popular holiday purchases: toys.
With Walmart promising to make up the difference, how do prices at other chains compare?
At a Target in Bloomington, busy mom Niki Nenovich said she just doesn't have time to check out prices.
"I don't comparison shop. I just purchase what I see cause if I don't get it then I'll forget about it," Nenovich.
But mom Meredith Bickel said, "Price is a big consideration."
Bickel said she makes time to comparison shop. And we found it does save money.
Take a look at the price differences for the same items bought at the Bloomington Target off Penn Avenue and the Toys "R" Us just a few blocks away.
The price for the Nerf 35 Dart Rapid Blast gun was $34.99 at both stores.
The price for Weebles Turn 'n Tumble Home was $29.99 at both stores.
But My Own Leaptop was less at Target -- $19.99 compared to $24.99 at Toys "R" Us.
Little People School Bus was also cheaper at Target -- $18.89 compared to $19.99 at Toys "R" Us.
The biggest difference was Bop It which was $18.99 at Target and $29.99 at Toy "R" Us -- a difference of $11.
Bickel said she regularly finds substantial price differences.
"Usually Toys "R" Us is more expensive but they've been having some sales -- buy two, get one free or buy one, got one 50 percent off, which makes them more comparable," she said.
Walmart's matching offer does have a very big catch: it does not include Black Friday's ads.
In a statement, Toys "R" Us said they will offer "exceptional values and deals every day throughout the holiday season." Toys "R" Us also said they carry a number of toys exclusively.
Target said they already price match. According to their website, "if you find an item in a competitor's printed ad that is priced lower than it is at your Target store, we will match the price."
