For Wal-Mart, Target, Holidays Start Nov. 1

The holiday sales season kicks off this weekend, and Wal-Mart will be among the first out of the gate. Continuing the trend of launching holiday sales immediately after Halloween, on Sunday Wal-Mart will offer discounts on thousands of items, including toys and electronics. Wal-Mart is putting more emphasis on online deals during the holiday season, with about 15 percent more rollbacks on Walmart.com compared with last year. Target will also make the holiday switch on Nov. 1, with updated decor and product for the season, but the company isn't launching a specific sale, Target executives said Thursday. Neither Wal-Mart nor Target has announced plans yet for Black Friday or Cyber Monday.