Wal-Mart Gives Customers Free Shipping This Week

Wal-Mart is getting a jump on Amazon Prime Day. From July 11 through July 15, Wal-Mart is offering a five-day period of free shipping with a selection of discounts. Amazon's much-hyped Prime Day begins July 12. Wal-Mart emphasized that its offer of free shipping with no minimum purchase is open to everyone, and it's for five days, not just one.

Total Retail's Take: Continuing today's theme, retailers, and Wal-Mart in particular, are taking action to steal some market share from Amazon on its self-appointed holiday, Prime Day. Wal-Mart is fighting desperately to get the attention of online shoppers. One of the best ways to do that — in addition to low prices — is by offering free shipping. While not acknowledged by Wal-Mart, I'm guessing the company is willing to accept a loss on this free shipping promotion in exchange for keeping consumers from spending with Amazon, and worse yet, signing up for Amazon Prime. But as the two retail behemoths do battle, consumers are the winners — at least for this week.