In a move which may mean anything Walmart has cut prices on many products including games and toys much earlier than usual for the holiday season. Apparently the move is based on a 2008 Holiday Shopping Intentions survey undertaken on behalf of Walmart.

Some of the popular toys whose prices have been cut include -- Barbie and her dog, Tanner, Barbie Mariposa, Play-Doh Ice Cream Shop, Assorted Littlest Pet Shop VIPs, Hot Wheels Trick Tracks, Hot Wheels Beast Bash, Fur Real Newborn Animals, Tonka Light and Sound Vehicles, Doll Stroller and Backugan by Spinmaster. All these toys have now been priced at $10 only. Walmart has also started taking pre-orders for Elmo Live which is going to be released only on 14 Oct 2008. You can check it out here http://www.walmart.com/elmo

The obvious reason for the cut is that Walmart wants to take a headstart on others for the holiday season shopping. They have gone ahead and also promised free shipping for certain products.

However the weakened, rather weakening economy may have more to do with the early sales than one would think. No one knows what will happen over the next few weeks. The rejection of the bailout package may have been the last nail in the proverbial coffin of the economy. Walmart seems to be wanting to take advantage of the public sentiments associated with the gift giving season while there is still some kind of economic security existing in the minds of people. Collapse of just a few more institutions may end all hopes of a cheerful and happy christmas.

So Walmart may just be luring customers before they run out of money. In other words Walmart is ensuring that the customers run out of money much earlier than they should, by buying stuff now what they won't be able to afford a couple of weeks later.