Walmart did something weird in 2024. If you were looking for that single, massive 60-page paper circular that used to hit driveways on Thanksgiving morning, you were probably disappointed. The traditional "ad scan" has basically evolved into a digital roadmap of three separate "events." Honestly, it’s a bit of a headache to track if you aren't paying attention.
The Walmart Black Friday ad scan 2024 wasn't just one document; it was a series of drops.
The Three-Event Chaos Explained
Most people think Black Friday is a day. Walmart thinks it's a month-long marathon. They split the 2024 season into three distinct phases, each with its own "ad scan" or digital flyer.
- Event 1: Started online Monday, Nov. 11. In-store deals followed on Friday, Nov. 15.
- Event 2: This was the "Big One." It hit the web on Monday, Nov. 25, with doors opening at 6:00 AM on the actual Black Friday (Nov. 29).
- Cyber Monday: Kicked off Sunday, Dec. 1.
The strategy here is pretty transparent. By staggering the "ad scan" releases, they keep you coming back to the app. You've probably noticed that the best stuff—the stuff people actually fight over—usually hides in that second event.
The Walmart+ "Head Start" Problem
If you tried to grab that $378 TCL 75-inch 4K TV as soon as the clock struck 5:00 PM, you likely found it sold out. Why? Because the Walmart Black Friday ad scan 2024 prioritized paid members.
Walmart+ members got a 5-hour head start. This year, the early access shifted from a 3-hour window to a 5-hour window. If you weren't a member by 12:00 PM ET on those Monday drop dates, you were basically looking at digital crumbs by the time the general public got in. It’s a bit of a pay-to-play system now, which kinda stinks for the casual shopper, but at $49 for the annual membership (the promotional price during the sale), many felt it was worth the "tax" to secure a PS5 or a Dyson.
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What Was Actually in the Ad?
The 2024 scan was 37 pages of madness. It wasn't just TVs and Laptops anymore.
Electronics and Big Tech
The tech section is usually where the "doorbusters" live. In 2024, the standouts were surprisingly specific.
- Apple iPhone 13: Listed at $199. A massive $200 saving, though it required a carrier activation.
- Beats Solo 3 Wireless: These were $69. That’s about $30 lower than the previous year’s best price.
- Samsung 65-inch DU69 4K Smart TV: A "Special Buy" at $398.
- The MacBook Pro "Catch": There was a refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro for $299. People went nuts for it, but if you looked at the fine print in the scan, it was an Intel-based model. Experts like those on Reddit's r/BlackFridayRumors warned that these are nearing their end-of-life for Apple support.
Home and Kitchen
Dyson usually steals the show. The Walmart Black Friday ad scan 2024 featured the Dyson V12 Detect Slim for $399.99. That’s $250 off the sticker price.
We also saw the "Beautiful" brand by Drew Barrymore—exclusive to Walmart—offering a 2-pack of slow cookers for $15. It’s the kind of item that makes for a great "white elephant" gift but isn't necessarily a "need."
The "Special Buy" Trap
You see it everywhere in the ad scan: Special Buy.
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What does that actually mean? It means the item was manufactured specifically for Black Friday. Sometimes, this is great. Other times, it means the TV has one less HDMI port or the plastic casing on the laptop is a bit thinner than the standard retail version.
Take the TCL 75-inch Roku TV at $378. You won't find that exact model number at Best Buy or Costco. It exists for this sale. It's still a good TV for the price, but don't expect the high-end panel quality of a $1,200 OLED.
Real Talk: Is the Ad Scan Still Useful?
Sorta. It’s more of a wishlist builder than a guarantee.
The 2024 scan showed us that Walmart is moving away from "The Big Rush." Since they stay closed on Thanksgiving Day now, the "doorbuster" energy has shifted online. The physical stores open at 6:00 AM on Friday, but by then, the online inventory from the Monday drop is often depleted.
If you're looking at the Walmart Black Friday ad scan 2024 to plan an in-store trip, focus on the "In-Store Only" tags. These are rare now. Most deals are "Online First," meaning if you wait until Friday morning to drive to the store, you're already four days late to the party.
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Surprising Finds in the 2024 Scan
- Squishmallows: 8-inch Disney versions for $5. These disappeared in seconds.
- LEGO Sets: Massive markdowns on Star Wars and Harry Potter sets, some at 40% off.
- GTRACING Gaming Chair: $93.99, which is $150 off.
Actionable Strategy for Future Sales
Since the 2024 cycle proved the digital-first model is here to stay, you need to change how you use these scans.
- Download the PDF early: Third-party sites usually leak the scan 10-14 days before the event. Use these to compare model numbers.
- Verify the "Original Price": Retailers sometimes inflate the "Was" price to make the "Now" price look better. Use a tool like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon price history) or Honey to see if $399 is actually a deal or just the normal sale price.
- Check the Refurb Status: As seen with the $299 MacBook, "Restored" is a common tag in the Walmart scan. It's not a new machine. Read the warranty details.
- Join the Membership (Temporarily): If you are eyeing a high-ticket item like a PS5 or a Dyson, the $49 Walmart+ promotion is basically an "insurance policy" to ensure you actually get the item before it sells out.
The Walmart Black Friday ad scan 2024 was a clear signal: the era of camping out for a TV is dead. The new era is about refreshing a browser at noon on a Monday while you're supposed to be working. It's less cold outside, but just as competitive.
To stay ahead, keep your eyes on the shipping dates listed in the ad. Many "Black Friday" deals in 2024 didn't actually ship until early December, which is fine for Christmas, but something to keep in mind if you're buying a replacement laptop for immediate use.
Always look for the "Special Buy" disclaimer and remember that if a deal looks too good to be true—like a $200 iPhone—there's almost always a service contract or a "Restored" label hidden in the fine print of that 37-page scan.
Final Pro Tip
Bookmark the specific product pages from the ad scan before the sale starts. When the clock hits 12:00 PM or 5:00 PM, don't try to navigate the homepage. It will crash or lag. Go straight to your bookmarks, add to cart, and check out immediately. Speed is everything.