Amazon, Walmart Hoping To Lure Summer Shoppers With Christmas In July Sales

(CBS) — With sunny skies, Christmas may be the last thing on your mind, but some online retailers are trying to cash in on your love for Black Friday sales by offering Christmas in July.

CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker takes a look this latest marketing strategy that could be the start of anew summer trend.

The last thing these some beach goers want to think about Christmas shopping.

“It’s a little too hot for Christmas for me,” said Ann Stanwick. “Generally I don’t shop until a week or two before Christmas.”

But Amazon is trying to pry consumers away from the beach with the promise of a one-day sale, July 15, bigger than Black Friday.

Amazon is the first major online merchant to use the Christmas in July promotions as brick and motors stores have done it before. Experts say Amazon’s timing is good because the economy is recovering and we’re in between holidays,

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see other promotions from Best Buy, other merchants,” said R.J. Hottovoy, Morningstar retail analyst.

In fact, Walmart is already joining the trend. It’s offering 2,000 deals exclusively online that coincidently begin on Wednesday, like Amazon.

But unlike Amazon, Walmart officials say you don’t have to join any club. Amazon deals are only available with a Prime membership, offering free shipping but costing $99 a year.

“The idea of asking customers to pay extra in order to save money, that just doesn’t add up to us,” said Walmart spokesman Raul Jariwala.

However, Amazon is offering a 30 day free membership, so Walmart is reducing its shipping from $50 to $35 for 30 days. The competition for your Christmas dollar in July is good news for shoppers.

“I think it is worth checking out,” said Hottovoy.

Online retailers won’t release details on their deals. No teasers about a cheap TV or can’t miss camera. It looks like you’ll have to wait until the clock strikes midnight on Tuesday to fill your cart.

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