Curbside pickup is a Holiday 2021 shopping trend: Experts tell us why
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Never mind the Grinch: this year, it’s the global supply chain crisis that’s stealing Christmas.
Holiday shoppers are already scrambling to order gifts and hosting supplies, but that doesn’t mean their goods are going to arrive in time — or at all. Globally, we’re facing shortages and delivery delays that are making online shopping a virtual nightmare.
“On one hand Covid-19 created an increase in demand for goods,” explained Eva Hart, Enterprise Expert at consumer research company Jungle Scout, to Yahoo Life. “But on the other hand it has disrupted the supply chain and has sent many sellers into a panic as they go out of stock and struggle to replenish inventory.”
Savvy consumers are circumventing delivery delays by using curbside pickup
Despite the difficulties, almost a third of consumers polled by analytics firm Jungle Scout have already started their online holiday shopping, and a quarter say they’re going to spend even more this year. But they have a plan to sidestep both supply chain issues and in-store Covid concerns: 63 percent of consumers say they’re ??buying from stores that offer curbside pickup.
Free, same-day curbside pickup happens to be Walmart’s specialty. The superstore is packed with everything you need for the holidays. Just place your order on Walmart.com or the Walmart app, then drive over to pick up your haul for free. It’s a simple concept: cut out the middle man and secure supplies before they run out.
“With supply chain issues and product shortages in mind, shoppers shouldn’t wait until the last minute to purchase their Christmas gifts,” warns Hart.
Incidentally, we found some truly unexpected holiday essentials on Walmart.com that are all available for same-day curbside pickup. Now that's cause for celebration!
Holiday hosting essentials at Walmart
Black + Decker 9-Inch Electric Carving Knife
Make this the year you trade in your manual carving knife for an electric model that makes short work of a turkey or roast — or even holiday pies. This ergonomic, dishwasher-safe gadget has the most positive ratings of any electric carver on Walmart.com, and it’s on sale for just $15 and available for curbside pickup today.
One fan called it a “wrist saver.” They wrote, “The $12 this cost me is well worth not spending the holidays with throbbing arm pain from cutting big slabs of meat. Plug in, snap the blades in and get it done!”
Ozeri Gusto Electric Wine Opener
If you’re still struggling with old-school cork screws, it’s time to put an end to the madness and gift yourself a sophisticated wine opener like this one by Ozeri that’s a whopping 68 percent off. The battery-operated device has a push button and an ergonomic grip that makes it “amazingly easy to use.” It cuts foil and automatically pops the cork.
‘It's my new go to opener,” wrote a fan. “My hands appreciate that it does all the work!”
Intex 18" High Comfort Plush Raised Air Mattress Bed with Built-in Pump, Queen
“This air mattress is really great to have when you don't have room for unexpected company,” writes a five-star reviewer of this Intex mattress.
Air mattresses have come a long way, and this one is next-level. It offers unparalleled comfort and support with its high-strength fibers, built-in pillow top, and 18-inch height so it’s easy to get out of bed. Walmart has slashed $30 from the price of this best-seller. It folds up neatly into a carrying case, so just pop it in the trunk, drive it home, and you’re ready for anything.
The Pioneer Woman Diamond Patchwork Reversible Placemats, Set of 4
A recent New York Times article implied that we could be facing a shortage of placemats, of all things. Have no fear, though: It’s the Pioneer Woman to the rescue! Her festive Diamond Patchwork Reversible placemats have shoppers swooning, and a set of four for just $11 are fully in stock and ready for curbside pickup at Walmart.
One of almost 200 five-star reviewers wrote, “Exactly as pictured and described. Amazing quality and true to size. Absolutely beautiful. Thick. Soft. Vibrant. Well Made.”
Holiday gifting essentials at Walmart
AT&T iPhone 13 128GB
Like almost all tech companies, Apple is experiencing a major chip shortage, which means iPhones will be scarce this holiday season. But Walmart has the coveted iPhone 13 in stock and ready to be picked up today! It starts at just $21 a month with an AT&T contract or $25 with Verizon.
Make someone’s day this year with a brand new iPhone 13 in midnight (black), blue, red or white.
Shop it: AT&T iPhone 13 128GB, starting at $21 a month, walmart.com
Anker eufy RoboVac G30 Verge
Anything tech is a score this year, including this Anker eufy robot vacuum — especially since it’s 57 percent off at Walmart right now. This dream gift is great for basically anyone who has floors, but honestly you might want to just keep it to clean up your own post-holiday messes instead.
“Amazed by how much it picks up,” wrote one impressed shopper.
L.O.L. Surprise! OMG Movie Magic Studios
Toys are taking a hit from the supply chain issues too, but Walmart is the place to stock up for all your Santa needs. And it should come as no surprise that the mega-popular L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls are still a hit this year.
Consumer experts say this L.O.L. Surprise! OMG Movie Magic Studios set is flying off the shelves, and Walmart not only has it but they have it on sale for $36 off. “Got this set for my daughters who collect these dolls. They went bonkers , when they opened up the box!,” wrote an excited fan.
Elf On The Shelf Boy Light
Oh, it’s that time of year alright! And if you have kids who are ready to be introduced to the iconic Elf on the Shelf, you’d better hurry. Most of Walmart's little elves are sold out, but this sneaky little guy is just hanging around, keeping an eye on things. He's waiting to hop onto your dashboard and hitch a ride home. Go find him!
One shopper wrote: “I really like the vibrant colors and how cute the face is! This one is the boy version and he is as cute as a button.”
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