By Islam El-Sakka
Walmart has launched a $35 holiday meal basket designed to serve 10 people, intensifying competition among U.S. grocers to offer the most affordable Thanksgiving dinner. The retail giant announced the bundle on Wednesday, pricing it $5 lower than last year while adding six more items for a total of 26 products.
Walmart's Holiday Meal Details
The basket includes a frozen Butterball turkey priced at 97 cents per pound, along with ingredients for five side dishes such as Stove Top stuffing, two casseroles, and a pumpkin pie. David Guggina, CEO of Walmart U.S., said the meal basket has become a favorite tradition that helps families celebrate without stretching their budgets.
Competitors' Offerings
Several rivals have introduced similar bundles this month, all priced under $40. Aldi offers a $38.74 basket for 10 people, Lidl charges $35.86 for 10, and Target sells a $30 bundle for six. Winn-Dixie's $38.90 meal serves six, while regional chains Schnucks and Wegmans have announced bundles under $40 for 10 and eight people respectively, though exact prices remain undisclosed. Walmart's $3.50 per person cost makes it the most affordable option for larger gatherings.
Consumer Affordability Concerns
Affordability remains a top concern heading into the holiday season. A Walmart survey released in October found that 43.8 percent of respondents consider paying for the holidays their biggest source of stress. An October poll by the National Retail Federation showed 43 percent of consumers plan to shop sales more often than usual, and 31 percent will comparison shop more frequently. NRF Vice President Allison Zeller noted that shoppers are balancing value with preserving holiday traditions.
