As Amazon prepares for its extended Prime Day event from July 8 to 11, major retailers across the United States are rolling out their own early July sales to capture consumer attention and spending. Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Dollar General, Kohl’s, REI, and Lowe’s have all announced significant promotions, some beginning before Amazon’s sale and extending beyond it, aiming to provide budget-conscious shoppers with alternative deals amid ongoing economic concerns.
Best Buy initiated its “Black Friday in July” sale on July 1 for loyalty members, with the public sale running from July 7 to 13. This event features daily deals and doorbusters on electronics, including TVs, laptops, headphones, and video games, catering to both tech enthusiasts and back-to-school shoppers. Unlike Amazon’s Prime Day, Best Buy’s sale is open to all customers without requiring a membership.
Walmart’s “Walmart Deals” event spans six days, from July 8 to 13, with early access for Walmart+ members starting on the evening of July 7. This year’s sale is notable for offering discounts both in stores and online, a first for the retailer. Shoppers can expect savings on home electronics, accessories, home decor, and back-to-school essentials. The event also includes early holiday product offerings, such as pre-orders for seasonal decorations.
Target’s Circle Week runs from July 6 to 12, with early access for Circle 360 members on July 5. The sale emphasizes back-to-school savings, maintaining 2024 prices on key items like school supplies and offering a $5 backpack deal. Target is also introducing exclusive product lines, including a Champion activewear collection and backpacks from Herschel and Lego, to attract shoppers preparing for the upcoming school year.
Dollar General’s “7 Days of Savings” began on July 6, providing discounts on household essentials and everyday items. Kohl’s is hosting its “Summer Cyber Deals” from July 7 to 10, doubling the duration from the previous year and offering free shipping on all orders, along with daily deals and Kohl’s Cash incentives. REI and Lowe’s have also launched promotions targeting outdoor enthusiasts and home improvement projects, respectively.
Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 marks the longest iteration of the event, running for four days from July 8 to 11. Exclusive to Prime members, the sale features significant discounts across various categories, including electronics, fashion, beauty, and home goods. New features this year include “Today’s Big Deals” with daily themes and “New Deal Drops” launching at midnight each day, offering limited-time offers to create a sense of urgency among shoppers.
The competitive landscape of early July sales is influenced by broader economic factors, including concerns over potential tariff-induced price hikes. Retailers are leveraging these sales events to provide relief to consumers facing inflationary pressures and to stimulate spending during a traditionally slow retail period. Analysts note that Amazon’s Prime Day has reshaped consumer expectations, prompting other retailers to adjust their strategies to remain competitive.
As the retail sector navigates these dynamics, consumers are presented with a multitude of options to capitalize on discounts and promotions, making early July a pivotal period for both shoppers and retailers alike.