Wal-Mart is expected to officially release its Black Friday circular early next week, although it started unwrapping "holiday" deals weeks ago. Like other retailers, Wal-Mart is trying to stoke holiday shopping excitement early - fearful that Americans will spend less on gifts as housing and credit problems infect consumer spending.
To that end, Wal-Mart chopped prices on 15,000 toys in October. Then it promoted deals on five select items, including a $348 laptop computer, on Nov. 1.
Some of Wal-Mart's other Black Friday promotions include an Apple 80GB iPod Classic ($247.88), assorted DVDs ($2.96), Dell Inspiron 1501 15.4-inch laptop computer ($598), Kodak 7MP digital camera ($89.84) and Xbox 360 arcade console system with 5 bonus games ($279.92).
In addition, Wal-Mart is selling Barbie Fairytopia Mermaid or Princess Ballerina Dolls ($5) and an Emerson Microwave ($25).
