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Tag: Walmart

  • Pennsylvania woman picks up car from getting oil change at Walmart. Then the worker at the register starts sniffing her: ‘It was you’

    A Pennsylvania woman has gone viral after an encounter at Walmart took a surprising turn. As she picked up her car from getting an oil filter change, she was left speechless by the man at the register.

    Colby (@thisiscolbyspeaking) shared her story while sitting in her car in a TikTok video that has amassed 280,600 views.

    What did the Walmart worker tell her?

    “I just picked up my car from getting an oil filter change at Walmart, and the guy at the register that was like, getting my key and my receipt and everything, all of a sudden went, ‘It was you,”” she recounted.

    She continued, “I already know. I already know, but I let him tell me anyway.”

    She then went on to describe how the man told her she “smell[ed] so good,” before revealing the perfume she was wearing.

    “What am I wearing today, you may ask?” she said. ” I’m wearing Sol de Janeiro, […] [but] the piece de resistance is Marshmallow Moon by Fairy Nest. It’s a seller on Etsy. Marshmallow Moon is the name of the perfume. Is the best marshmallow perfume. I have three bottles of it. I’m obsessed with it. And yes, I do smell good, but thank you, because that is my favorite compliment.”

    She ended by noting that whilst the worker was “checking [her] out,” he was fully sniffing the air.

    Colby didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment.

    @thisiscolbyspeaking Shout out to @Vania MicKelle my favorite fragrance YouTuber – Marshmallow Moon is always a hit! ? ☁️ #sotd #perfumetok ♬ original sound – Colby

    ‘I love it when this happens’

    Commenters agreed that being told that they smell good is the best kind of acknowledgement.

    “Being told you smell good is seriously the best compliment! Also, thank you for spreading the love and sharing with the class,” one wrote. “My best friend likes scents like these and hasn’t been able to find a good marshmallow that’s not super eh or cheapy. Running to share the deets with her now, just as Paul Revere would’ve had it.”

    “The BEST compliment. I swear,” a second echoed. “Also thanks for sharing.”

    While a third added, “I literally had a coworker come up to me yesterday going ‘I really hope this isn’t weird,’ like no, tell me, I love being told I smell good.”

    What is Marshmallow Moon?

    Over on Etsy, the Marshmallow Moon perfume, which is made by seller Fairy Nest Fragrances, is currently sold out. It costs approximately $56.47 (£41.85).

    The product description is as follows: “Indulge in the ultimate sweet escape with Marshmallow Moon. An airy confection of spun sugar glimmers at the top. At its heart, fluffy marshmallows melt into a cloud of creamy warmth. Finally, a base of rich, warm vanilla adds a velvety depth, creating a lingering, cozy embrace. Soft yet indulgent, this scent is perfect for those who want to smell like a bag of marshmallows!”

    In turn, the perfume has gotten rave reviews. “Can’t stop sniffing myself,” one reviewer wrote. “Had to order a 2nd bottle!”

    “This is the perfect marshmallow scent for me!” a second declared. “Nothing fruity or smoky..Just pure, sweet fluff.”

    A third called it an “absolute masterpiece,” and a fourth promised: “You will smell delicious with this scent!”

    Fairy Nest Fragrances didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via Etsy message.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Charlotte Colombo

    Charlotte is an internet culture writer with bylines in Insider, VICE, Glamour, The Independent, and more. She holds a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from City St George’s, University of London.

    Charlotte Colombo

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  • Amazon CEO warns prices have gone up from tariffs

    Some of the things people buy the most are at their most expensive point of the year as the calendar changes over to 2026. Our get the facts data team dug into what actually caused the prices of some items to go up or go down. Let’s start with beef. Right now, the average price for ground beef is 823 per pound and 967 for steaks, the highest prices for both all year. Several factors like President Trump’s tariffs. Cattle inventories and an aging farming population contributed to the increase, but so did something called the New World screwworm, *** parasitic fly that produced *** deadly disease in some places like Mexico. Another grocery staple that is more expensive now, coffee. Our get the Facts data team found the price rose each month throughout the year, maxing out at 926 cents *** pound. Two of the world’s biggest coffee producers, Brazil and Vietnam, Were impacted by drought and excessive rains earlier this year, which reduced coffee production, and Brazil saw an additional 40% tariff over the summer as well. One of the biggest talking points, especially from President Trump about the state of the economy was egg prices. They are one of the few items tracked that actually are cheapest now. Egg prices saw their biggest price hike in nearly 10 years in January, then rose to an all-time high of 623. Per dozen in March. This was in large part to ongoing bird flu outbreaks. Egg prices would start falling in the summer and are now 286 *** dozen. Some other groceries that saw increases this year, cookies, potato chips, bacon, cheddar cheese, and orange juice. But it wasn’t all increases at the supermarket. Some items are cheaper now compared to January, like pasta, white bread, tomatoes, and strawberries. In Washington, I’m Amy Lou.

    If your next Amazon order seems more expensive, President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs may be partially to blame, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said Tuesday.Like many retailers, Amazon and its vast network of third-party sellers loaded up on inventory ahead of Trump’s tariff rollout last spring. But that supply ran out by the fall, Jassy said in a CNBC interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.“So you start to see some of the tariffs creep into some of the prices, some of the items,” he said. “Some sellers are deciding that they’re passing on those higher costs to consumers in the form of higher prices, some are deciding that they’ll absorb it to drive demand and some are doing something in between.”The comments are a stark shift from last June, when Jassy said in a CNBC interview that the company had not seen “prices appreciably go up.” That was after Amazon drew the direct ire of Trump and members of his administration following reports that the e-commerce giant planned to display how tariffs were impacting prices.After Trump spoke with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at the time, a company spokesperson told CNN the move “was never a consideration for the main Amazon.” It was only being considered for certain products on its spinoff site, Haul, which sells items below $30, the company said.On Tuesday, though, Jassy said: “We’re going to do everything we can to work with our selling partners to make prices as low as possible for consumers, but you don’t have endless options.”In a statement, though, the company told CNN that overall price levels have not changed more than expected. “While we are seeing prices for some sellers and some brands go up, overall the prices of products on Amazon have not changed outside of normal fluctuations,“ an Amazon spokesperson said.And the White House said it maintains that foreign exports are footing that tariff bill.“The average tariff imposed by America has increased by almost tenfold under President Trump, and inflation has continued to cool from Biden-era highs,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement.“The Administration has consistently maintained that foreign exporters who depend on access to the American economy, the world’s biggest and best consumer market, will ultimately pay the cost of tariffs, and that’s what’s playing out,” he added.Amazon isn’t the only retailer warning of higher prices because of tariffs. Walmart, Target and Home Depot and many other companies have publicly said tariffs are making products more expensive. And while overall consumer inflation was modest last year, many businesses surveyed by the Federal Reserve in its latest Beige Book, a collection of anecdotes, warned they’re planning bigger price hikes this year.

    If your next Amazon order seems more expensive, President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs may be partially to blame, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said Tuesday.

    Like many retailers, Amazon and its vast network of third-party sellers loaded up on inventory ahead of Trump’s tariff rollout last spring. But that supply ran out by the fall, Jassy said in a CNBC interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

    “So you start to see some of the tariffs creep into some of the prices, some of the items,” he said. “Some sellers are deciding that they’re passing on those higher costs to consumers in the form of higher prices, some are deciding that they’ll absorb it to drive demand and some are doing something in between.”

    The comments are a stark shift from last June, when Jassy said in a CNBC interview that the company had not seen “prices appreciably go up.” That was after Amazon drew the direct ire of Trump and members of his administration following reports that the e-commerce giant planned to display how tariffs were impacting prices.

    After Trump spoke with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at the time, a company spokesperson told CNN the move “was never a consideration for the main Amazon.” It was only being considered for certain products on its spinoff site, Haul, which sells items below $30, the company said.

    On Tuesday, though, Jassy said: “We’re going to do everything we can to work with our selling partners to make prices as low as possible for consumers, but you don’t have endless options.”

    In a statement, though, the company told CNN that overall price levels have not changed more than expected. “While we are seeing prices for some sellers and some brands go up, overall the prices of products on Amazon have not changed outside of normal fluctuations,“ an Amazon spokesperson said.

    And the White House said it maintains that foreign exports are footing that tariff bill.

    “The average tariff imposed by America has increased by almost tenfold under President Trump, and inflation has continued to cool from Biden-era highs,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement.

    “The Administration has consistently maintained that foreign exporters who depend on access to the American economy, the world’s biggest and best consumer market, will ultimately pay the cost of tariffs, and that’s what’s playing out,” he added.

    Amazon isn’t the only retailer warning of higher prices because of tariffs. Walmart, Target and Home Depot and many other companies have publicly said tariffs are making products more expensive. And while overall consumer inflation was modest last year, many businesses surveyed by the Federal Reserve in its latest Beige Book, a collection of anecdotes, warned they’re planning bigger price hikes this year.

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  • Eastern Bank Has $109.14 Million Stock Holdings in Walmart Inc. $WMT

    Eastern Bank lowered its position in shares of Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMTFree Report) by 11.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,058,954 shares of the retailer’s stock after selling 132,945 shares during the quarter. Walmart comprises 1.9% of Eastern Bank’s holdings, making the stock its 13th biggest position. Eastern Bank’s holdings in Walmart were worth $109,136,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

    Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC increased its holdings in shares of Walmart by 397,264.9% during the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 104,514,912 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $10,496,702,000 after purchasing an additional 104,488,610 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Walmart during the second quarter worth approximately $5,367,770,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Walmart by 9,648.7% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,486,374 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $1,123,138,000 after acquiring an additional 11,368,549 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Walmart by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 431,817,510 shares of the retailer’s stock worth $42,223,116,000 after acquiring an additional 5,856,468 shares during the period. Finally, Amundi raised its holdings in Walmart by 23.5% in the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 19,493,644 shares of the retailer’s stock valued at $1,902,775,000 after acquiring an additional 3,710,506 shares in the last quarter. 26.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

    Trending Headlines about Walmart

    Here are the key news stories impacting Walmart this week:

    • Positive Sentiment: Nasdaq-100 inclusion should trigger index and ETF buying and has been cited as a primary reason for recent upside in WMT shares. Walmart Stock Gaining Steam Ahead of Debut on Nasdaq-100
    • Positive Sentiment: Partnership with Google/Alphabet to integrate Walmart and Sam’s Club assortments into Gemini AI (agent‑led commerce) boosts WMT’s e‑commerce credibility and long‑term growth narrative. Walmart Stock Jumps on Google AI Partnership
    • Positive Sentiment: Drone delivery expansion to ~150 locations accelerates last‑mile capabilities and shows execution on cost and service improvements that investors reward. Walmart Drone Delivery Service Surges
    • Positive Sentiment: Unusually large call‑option activity and a disclosed insider buy (Shishir Mehrotra acquired about $93k of WMT) suggest speculative and insider confidence in near‑term upside. Shishir Mehrotra’s Recent Buy: Acquires $93K In Walmart Stock
    • Neutral Sentiment: Positive media/analyst commentary (e.g., Jim Cramer) highlights management execution and merchandising improvements, supporting sentiment but not necessarily changing fundamentals. Jim Cramer on Walmart CEO
    • Neutral Sentiment: Macro piece on rotation to value argues consumer staples (including Walmart) are beneficiaries of a shift away from high‑duration tech, which is supportive but depends on broader rate/Fed developments. Tech Wreck or Valuation Reset? Rotating to Value in 2026
    • Negative Sentiment: Critical takes argue Walmart may be overvalued after the run and that some holders are trimming — investor caution on multiples could cap further gains. Walmart Is Overvalued – I’ve Just Sold My Shares
    • Negative Sentiment: Forbes and other outlets highlight what could push WMT lower (macro risk, margin pressure, execution missteps); these reminders add caution for more risk‑averse investors. What Can Send Walmart Stock Price Down?

    Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

    Several research firms have recently issued reports on WMT. BTIG Research reissued a “buy” rating and set a $125.00 target price (up from $120.00) on shares of Walmart in a report on Friday, November 21st. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Walmart in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $121.00 target price on shares of Walmart and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays reaffirmed an “overweight” rating and set a $125.00 price target (up previously from $108.00) on shares of Walmart in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Guggenheim reissued a “buy” rating and issued a $120.00 price objective (up from $115.00) on shares of Walmart in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Thirty-two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Walmart has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $122.60.

    View Our Latest Research Report on WMT

    Insider Buying and Selling at Walmart

    In other news, EVP Daniel J. Bartlett sold 1,425 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.00, for a total transaction of $166,725.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 641,363 shares in the company, valued at approximately $75,039,471. The trade was a 0.22% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP John D. Rainey sold 2,200 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.23, for a total transaction of $244,706.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 617,318 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $68,664,281.14. This trade represents a 0.36% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 124,078 shares of company stock worth $13,523,502 over the last three months. 0.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

    Walmart Trading Up 2.0%

    Shares of Walmart stock opened at $120.36 on Wednesday. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $110.42 and its 200 day moving average is $104.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $959.29 billion, a PE ratio of 42.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.03 and a beta of 0.66. Walmart Inc. has a 1 year low of $79.81 and a 1 year high of $120.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39.

    Walmart (NASDAQ:WMTGet Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The retailer reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $179.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $175.15 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 3.26% and a return on equity of 21.31%. The firm’s revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.58 EPS. Walmart has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.580-2.630 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Walmart Inc. will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

    About Walmart

    (Free Report)

    Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates a broad portfolio of store formats and digital services. Its core business includes large-format supercenters, discount department stores, neighborhood grocery stores and a membership warehouse chain, Sam’s Club. The company’s merchandising mix covers groceries, household goods, apparel, electronics and pharmacy services, supplemented by private-label products and category-specific offerings. Walmart pairs its physical store network with online platforms and mobile applications to provide omnichannel shopping, fulfillment and delivery options for consumers and businesses.

    The company was founded by Sam Walton, who opened the first store in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962; it is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas.

    Read More

    Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMTFree Report).

    Institutional Ownership by Quarter for Walmart (NASDAQ:WMT)



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  • Wing’s drone deliveries are coming to 150 more Walmarts

    Don’t be surprised if you see even more drones delivering groceries across the US since the Alphabet-owned Wing announced another service expansion with Walmart over the next year. The partnership said that drone delivery services will be available at 150 more Walmart locations in Los Angeles, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Miami and more metros that have yet to be announced.

    According to Wing, its top 25 percent of customers have ordered its delivery drones up to three times a week. To meet growing demand, Wing and Walmart said it will serve up to 40 million US customers and build up a network of 270 delivery locations by 2027. The partnership launched its service in August 2023 with the inaugural deliveries offered to the Dallas-Fort Worth customer base. In June 2025, Wing and Walmart increased drone delivery coverage to 100 more stores across Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando and Tampa. Last month, the two companies launched their delivery service in Atlanta and are planning to kick off deliveries in Houston on January 15.

    Before Walmart, Wing broke into the US market by working with Walgreens to deliver health and wellness products in April 2022. Since then, the Alphabet subsidiary has partnered with DoorDash and Apian, a London-based healthcare logistics company. Besides its commercial partnerships, Wing has been working on a larger delivery drone that will be able to fly at up to 65 mph and carry up to five pounds, or double its current capacity.

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  • Loudoun County deputy shoots, kills armed man in Walmart parking lot, authorities say – WTOP News

    An allegedly armed man was shot by a deputy with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in a Leesburg parking lot Tuesday, according to officials.

    A man was shot by a Loudoun County deputy on Jan. 6, 2026. (Courtesy 7News)

    A man suspected in an attempted bank robbery was fatally shot by a deputy with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in a Leesburg parking lot Tuesday, according to officials.

    The man, later identified by county officials as 30-year-old Conner Peltzer, of Sterling, Virginia, later died in a hospital.

    The shooting happened in the parking lot of a Walmart in Leesburg as law enforcement tried to approach an allegedly armed man around 11:40 a.m.

    Loudoun County detectives, deputies and FBI special agents found the man in the parking lot of a shopping center in the 1900 block of Compass Creek Parkway.

    When deputies pulled behind Peltzer’s vehicle, he got out of the car with a gun, according to the sheriff’s office. That’s when deputies fired at him.

    “We never want to be in a situation where we have to fire on anybody,” Sheriff Mike Chapman said during a news conference. “It’s in a very populated area, fortunately we were on the back side of the parking lot.”

    The shooting happened away from the entrance to the store, where Chapman said there’s more foot traffic.

    No deputies were injured during the shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.

    According to the sheriff’s office, Peltzer was also identified as a suspect in an attempted bank robbery at the Bank of America at Dulles Crossing on Monday afternoon. 

    Deputies said the suspect threatened to use explosives during the attempted robbery. Law enforcement searched the building and nearby areas and determined it was safe.

    “A note was passed, it wasn’t responded to, he left the bank and he left without any money,” Chapman said.

    The Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office will investigate the shooting.

    WTOP’s Ciara Wells contributed to this report.

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  • ‘Try Costco. Not for the faint of heart’: Florida man says it’s ‘hell’ to shop at Walmart on the weekend. Here’s the best time to actually do it

    Shopping can be stressful. You’re browsing in a crowded store hoping to find all the items on your checklist, and there’s a line a mile long once it’s time for checkout. Of course, certain times and days are more hectic than others. In this Florida Walmart shopper’s opinion, weekends are the worst time to shop at the retail giant. However, not everyone is on board.

    TikTok creator Tyler Kemp (@tylerkempre) brings over 422,000 viewers with him to wander through Walmart. “If y’all wanna know what hell is like or what I believe would be the closest comparison,” he says, glancing around at shoppers walking through the store. “Visit Walmart on a weekend.”

    Then, he amends his statement in the caption, “Or any day of the week for that matter. Don’t get me wrong, I love keeping the price of my groceries as low as possible, and there’s no better way than by shopping at Walmart and Aldi.”

    On the other hand, the content creator shares his alternative for a quick shop. “But when I need convenience or just an all-around better shopping experience, you’ll catch me at Publix every time!!” he adds.

    Why did viewers disagree?

    Instead, viewers shared what they believed were the most miserable times to visit Walmart in the comments section.

    “Specifically on Sunday when old people school lets out for the day,” one viewer remarked.

    “Or during literally any holiday! Everyone wants to last minute holiday shop like me,” another commented.

    “EVERY day at WM is HELL!!!!!!! ( especially if you work at A one!),” a third said.

    Meanwhile, others completely removed the corporate giant from the equation altogether by arguing which store was more chaotic.

    “Walmart is light work, try Costco, it is not for the faint of heart,” one commenter wrote.

    “Kroger any day. Literally,” a second stated.

    When is the least busy time to shop at Walmart?

    If you want to bypass the crowds, Yahoo recommends grocery shopping early in the morning, around 6 and 7 am. During this period, the outlet reports fewer people, more stocked merchandise, shorter lines, and a quieter environment. Although this may be a drawback if you’re not an early bird, it’s a guaranteed way to avoid the commotion. Real Simple recommends visiting a store early in the morning, around opening time, when fewer shoppers are present.

    Moreover, there is a third option that doesn’t reduce customer numbers but can provide a more peaceful shopping experience: Sensory-Friendly Hours. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 1 to 3 out of 20 people suffer from a form of Sensory Processing Disorder (overstimulation) where their senses become overloaded, thus leading to feeling overwhelmed. To accommodate this, the retailer implemented hours from 8-10 am in all stores across the United States, during which lights are dimmed, radios are turned off, and TVs display a static screen.

    In addition to weekend afternoons, weekday evenings are equally bustling with shoppers. Because people are pressed for time, they may choose to shop after 5 pm, resulting in heavy crowds.

    @tylerkempre Or any day of the week for that matter. Don’t get me wrong, I love keeping the price of my groceries as low as possible, and there’s no better way than by shopping at Walmart and Aldi. But when I need convenience or just an all around better shopping experience, you’ll catch me at Publix every time!! #walmart #hell #help ♬ original sound – Tyler Kemp

    The Mary Sue reached out to Kemp via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment.

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    Melody Heald

    Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, The Daily Dot, and more. You can email her at: [email protected]

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  • Target takes on Walmart with a risky bet shoppers may not expect

    Value isn’t the same as price.

    That’s an old saying that holds a lot of truth, but when consumers feel stressed out financially, they may not be thinking about the best long-term values. Instead, they’re focusing on making it through each day.

    Retailers which have pricing power, however, have a major advantage over their rivals.

    “The single most important decision in evaluating a business is pricing power. If you’ve got the power to raise prices without losing business to a competitor, you’ve got a very good business. And if you have to have a prayer session before raising the price by 10%, then you’ve got a terrible business,” Warren Buffett said in an interview with the U.S. Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission.

    Former J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson, who was not successful during his run in that job, had a clear belief on pricing and consumers.

    “Pricing is actually a pretty simple and straightforward thing. Customers will not pay literally a penny more than the true value of the product,” he told the Associated Press in 2012.

    Target executives, however, are betting that Johnson’s philosophy was wrong. And, instead of focusing on offering the lowest prices, the chain plans to show its customers that it offers the best value.

    “Target is cutting prices on thousands of products and working to compete beyond pricing, ‘while allowing Walmart to maintain its low-price leadership,’ according to a note from Jefferies analysts shared with Retail Dive. The mass retailer’s focus on pricing as well as merchandising newness is ‘intended to prioritize value perception without sacrificing differentiation, Jefferies wrote.

    It’s a strategy that’s doubling down on Target delivering a unique shopping experience that’s not solely focused on price.

    New Target CEO Michael Fiddelke talked about this strategy during his company’s third-quarter earnings call.

    “We are a design-led company. And that starts with our authority and merchandising. Our ability to build a unique assortment of the right, stylish on-trend products at incredible value that’s so central to who we are and key to our differentiation and future growth,” he said.

    The new CEO believes that the chain can stand out without being the lowest-priced option.

    “At Target, we believe that offering an assortment that’s distinctly ours is essential to maintaining our merchandising authority with our guests. Not every category plays the same role towards these efforts, but together, they create an assortment and experience that feels unmistakably Target,” he added.

    More Retail:

    “Looking ahead, [Target] sees share-gaining opportunities by reinforcing its authority in product innovation and in-store experience, while leveraging technology for greater efficiency,” Jefferies analysts noted.

    “The focus remains on driving differentiation through merchandising and experience rather than competing solely on food and price. In the longer term, [management] expects growth at Walmart, Amazon, and Costco to continue, but also believes that [Target] has opportunities to capture share ahead, supported by enterprise initiatives,” reported Retail Dive.

    That may seem like a losing strategy given how focused on price consumers are, but in my 30 years covering retail and shopping at Target, I have found that the brand’s advantage has never been price. It’s having the right mix of merchandise that gives shoppers a reason to walk through the doors.

    Target has focused on offering a differentiated shopping experience.Target Corp.

    While Target has struggled, it’s still a profitable company.

    “The company reported third-quarter GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $1.51 and Adjusted earnings per share1 of $1.78, compared with GAAP and Adjusted EPS of $1.85 in 2024,” it shared in its Q3 earnings report.

    Some highlights include:

    • Net Sales of $25.3 billion in the third quarter were 1.5% lower than last year, reflecting a merchandise sales decrease of 1.9%, partially offset by a 17.7% increase in non-merchandise sales.

    • Comparable sales decreased 2.7% in the third quarter, reflecting a comparable store sales decline of 3.8%, partially offset by comparable digital sales growth of 2.4%.

    • Third quarter operating income, which includes the impact of non-recurring items, was $0.9 billion, 18.9% lower than last year.
      Excluding those non-recurring items, operating income was $1.1 billion.

    While Target is focusing on overall value, outgoing Walmart CEO Doug McMillon talked a lot about price during his chain’s third-quarter earnings call.

    “We have about 7,400 active rollbacks in Walmart U.S. right now, with more than half of those in the grocery category. Often, our 90-day rollbacks lead to a permanent price reduction, a new EDLP,” he shared.

    That has been a long-running strategy for Walmart.

    “Since the beginning of the year, more than 2,000 rollbacks have become the new everyday price. We’ll keep strengthening our ability to save people time and money, and we’ll keep finding ways to keep our prices as low as possible and being strategic in our pricing actions. Everyone wants value,” he added.

    McMillon also shared how his team keeps ahead of its rivals on pricing.

    “Inventory management is always important, and it’s especially important in this environment as we reduce markdown risk to help fund stronger price gaps. Our team continues to do a great job. The ability of our Walmart U.S. team, in particular, to make good quantity decisions and manage pricing and mix well has been impressive,” he shared.

    Related: Kohl’s defends Kohl’s Cash, a program that boosts repeat shopping

    This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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  • New York woman buys $500 Walmart gift card for neighbors in Tampa. Then they try to redeem it: ‘This is war’

    With grocery prices climbing year after year, a Walmart gift card can feel like one of the most practical gifts you can give a family.

    You can buy food, household basics, school supplies, pretty much anything under one roof.

    That was the thinking behind one New York woman’s Thanksgiving gift to her neighbors in Tampa. She wanted to help ease the pressure heading into the holidays.

    Instead, she says the gift turned into a weeks-long mess involving broken systems, endless phone calls, and a $500 balance that no one could actually use.

    TikTok creator Claire (@claireinnyc) shared the situation in a video that’s now passed 274,700 views, addressing Walmart directly and calling the ordeal “war.”

    What Went Wrong with the Walmart Gift Card?

    In the video, Claire explains that she bought her neighbors a $500 Walmart gift card around Thanksgiving. She says the family has several children living in the household and works hard, often helping her out by taking in packages and lending a hand when needed.

    Before buying the card, she asked where they usually shop for groceries. “Walmart would be perfect,” they told her.

    So she purchased the card electronically and sent it over. That’s where things started to fall apart.

    Her neighbor went straight to Walmart to use the gift card for Thanksgiving groceries and was told it wouldn’t work. The system rejected it, flagging the expiration date, which showed a year far in the future, something like 2037. According to store employees, there was a maximum expiration window that the register would accept.

    Stuck in line with groceries they needed for Thanksgiving, her neighbor paid out of pocket.

    Claire says she immediately sent money to cover the cost. “I’m not a complete a******,” she says in the video. “He went there because I provided a gift.”

    At that point, she figured it was a mistake Walmart could easily fix.

    Walmart Customer Support Allegedly Wasn’t Helpful

    Claire says she started calling Walmart customer service and was quickly bounced between departments. The general support line sent her to the gift card line. The gift card line sent her to Mastercard. Mastercard sent her back to Walmart.

    Eventually, someone told her the card was a Walmart Mastercard, not a standard gift card, and that incorrect information had been entered when it was issued. Because of that, the card could no longer be used online, added to Apple Pay, or used digitally at all.

    The only option, she was told, was to use it in-store. So they tried again, and it still didn’t work.

    The expiration date continued to block the card, and no store could override it. Despite the balance still showing $500, no one could access the funds.

    “I can see the gift card. I can see the balance,” Claire says. “But no one can use it.”

    When she asked if the card could be reported as lost or stolen and reissued, she was told no. According to Claire, Walmart told her that once an electronic gift card is issued, the purchaser waives their rights to a replacement.

    “That cannot be acceptable,” she says. “You sold me something that cannot be used.”

    @claireinnyc @Walmart I’ve tried to resolve this amicably…. #walmart ♬ original sound – Claire in NYC ???????

    Viewers were stunned that a major retailer could let a situation drag on for so long.

    “Why can’t they just cancel the card and give you a refund?” one person wrote.

    Another added, “Surely they should just cancel the card and provide a replacement.”

    Others focused on the bigger picture. “Imagine all the money they bank each year on unusable cards,” one commenter said. “They probably hope people give up.”

    Suspicious Activity Adds to the Frustration

    In a follow-up video, Claire shares another unsettling detail. While checking the balance on the unusable gift card, she noticed multiple attempted transactions, none of which she or her neighbors had made.

    She says the card showed declined attempts in St. Louis, Atlanta, two locations in California, and even Amsterdam. One charge for 99 cents appeared to go through.

    Claire says this raised even more questions, especially since the card was never physically lost and never worked in the first place.

    As it turns out, this isn’t an isolated incident. One Facebook user claimed their sister’s gift card was hacked, drained, and never refunded. Fox 4 Dallas–Fort Worth has also reported cases where customers never received their gift cards or their money back.

    Claire says that wasn’t ultimately her outcome. In a later update, she shared that Walmart eventually sent her a check for the full $500, resolving the situation after weeks of back-and-forth.

    The Mary Sue has reached out to Walmart via its contact form and to Claire via email for comment.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Ljeonida Mulabazi

    Ljeonida is a reporter and writer with a degree in journalism and communications from the University of Tirana in her native Albania. She has a particular interest in all things digital marketing; she considers herself a copywriter, content producer, SEO specialist, and passionate marketer. Ljeonida is based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and her work can also be found at the Daily Dot.

    Ljeonida Mulabazi

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  • Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? Here are the stores, restaurants and fast-food chains you can go to today


    Most Americans likely won’t be dashing through the snow for Christmas, given this year’s unseasonably warm weather, but many may need to dash to the store for last-minute dinner ingredients or essentials. Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with a few notable exceptions.

    If you’re planning on doing some shopping or eating out this holiday, it’s best to double-check stores’ operating hours, as they may vary by location. Read on to see which retailers are open this Christmas. 

    Is Walmart open on Christmas?

    Walmart will be closed on Christmas Day. On Dec. 26, stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Since hours may vary at some locations, it’s wise to check via the retailer’s online store locator

    Which convenience and drugstores are open on Christmas Day?

    A few chains are open in case you need household essentials or something from the pharmacy.

    Open on Christmas: 

    • CVS and Walgreens will both be open on Christmas, although store and pharmacy hours may vary
    • Most 7-Eleven locations will be open 24/7 on Christmas
    • Sheetz stores are open with regular hours (24/7)

    Closed on Christmas: 

    Which grocery stores are open on Christmas Day?

    Most grocery stores will be closed on Christmas.

    Closed:

    • Aldi
    • Food Lion
    • Harris Teeter
    • Kroger
    • Publix
    • Stop & Shop
    • Trader Joe’s
    • Wegmans

    Exceptions:

    Which restaurants and fast-food places are open on Christmas Day?

    Not keen on cooking this holiday season? You’re in luck, as many restaurants and fast-food chains will continue to serve customers on Christmas Day. Most stores have some type of online locator tool you can use to check hours, which may vary by location. 

    Open on Christmas

    • Applebee’s 
    • A Domino’s spokesperson said the restaurant chain doesn’t require stores to remain open on Christmas Day, and encouraged customers to check their website for local hours of operation. 
    • Many Dunkin’ locations will be open on Christmas Day
    • IHOP 
    • Many McDonald’s locations will welcome customers
    • Some Starbucks locations will be closed on Christmas, while some may have limited hours

    Closed on Christmas

    What superstores and department stores are open on Christmas Day?

    Most major retailers are closed on Christmas 

    Closed on Christmas

    • Best Buy
    • Costco
    • Home Depot
    • HomeGoods
    • IKEA
    • JCPenney
    • Kohl’s
    • Lowe’s
    • Petco
    • Macy’s
    • Marshalls
    • Michael’s
    • Sam’s Club
    • Sierra
    • Target
    • T.J. Maxx

    Is the post office open on Christmas?

    Post office locations nationwide will be closed Christmas Day and mail will not be delivered, according to the USPS. Operations are set to resume on December 26.

    Is UPS delivering on Christmas?

    UPS will not have any pick-up or delivery services on Christmas Day, except for Express Critical delivery.

    Is the stock market open on Christmas?

    The stock market will be closed on Christmas Day, with trading scheduled to resume on December 26.

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  • What’s open on Christmas Eve 2025? Stores, fast-food places and more major chains you can visit today


    As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate Christmas, many people will participate in another grand holiday tradition — dashing out for last-minute groceries or holiday gifts. Retailers and other businesses often adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, so it’s best to plan ahead and check local store schedules before heading out. 

    Read on to find out which grocery stores, restaurants and big-box retailers are open on Christmas Eve, and if they have special hours.

    Which grocery store chains are open on Christmas Eve?

    • Food Lion stores are open until 7 p.m. local time; pharmacies will also be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
    • Stop & Shop stores are open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve
    • Trader Joe’s is open, but will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve
    • Wegmans will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve
    • Whole Foods stores open at their regular time and close at 7 p.m.

    Which drugstore chains are open on Christmas Eve?

    • CVS Pharmacy is open on Christmas Eve, although some stores and pharmacies may have reduced hours
    • Walgreens is open; pharmacy hours may vary based on location

    Which fast-food chains and restaurants are open on Christmas Eve?

    Looking for a place to grab a bite amid the holiday rush? You’re in luck, as many fast-food chains will remain open on Christmas Eve. Still, it’s wise to check your local outlet’s hours as they may vary by location. 

    • Select Applebee’s locations will be open
    • Burger King
    • Domino’s stores are not required to be open on Christmas Eve, according to a spokesperson. Customers should check the pizza chain’s website for local hours of operation
    • Dunkin’ 
    • IHOP
    • McDonald’s 
    • Taco Bell
    • Starbucks 

    Does mail run on Christmas Eve?

    Local U.S. post office locations will be open on Christmas Eve, and mail will be delivered except for Priority Mail Express, according to the USPS. The postal service will also pick up mail placed in blue collection boxes on December 24 if you’re unable to make it to the post office. 

    UPS will deliver packages on Christmas Eve. However, pickup service looks a little different that day. See UPS’ holiday schedule for details.

    Where can I buy presents on Christmas Eve?

    Many retailers are extending their hours on Christmas Eve so people can squeeze in last-minute gift shopping. However, a few will close early, so make sure to plan ahead.

    • Best Buy’s Christmas Eve hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m local time
    • Costco is open on Christmas Eve
    • Most Dollar General stores will be open until 10 p.m. 
    • Home Depot will close early at 5 p.m.
    • HomeGoods, Marshalls, Sierra and T.J. Maxx will all operate on special hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
    • IKEA will close early on Christmas Eve, with store hours varying based on location
    • JCPenney stores will open early on Christmas Eve at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by location
    • Kohl’s stores will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
    • Macy’s locations are open 8 a.m. to  7 p.m.
    • Michaels is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve
    • Petco hours vary by location, with most opening at the regular time of 9 a.m. and closing early at 7 p.m.
    • Target stores will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve
    • Walmart will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Is the stock market open on Christmas Eve?

    Yes, the stock market is open on Christmas Eve, although it will close early at 1 p.m EDT. Trading typically goes to 4 p.m.

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  • Bodycam video shows Ohio shoplifting suspect pulling gun on police officer

    A police officer in Canton, Ohio, is lucky to be alive after an accused shoplifter pointed a gun in his face and pulled the trigger. The whole incident was captured on body cam video.The video is in the player above, however, viewer discretion advised Canton police were called to the Walmart on Thursday afternoon for two people shoplifting.Police took 23-year-old Katerina Jeffrey and 21-year-old Shane Newman into custody after being accused of shoplifting.Before the two sat down, Newman was patted down.”Nothing on you that’s going to poke me, stab me?” the police officer asked Newman.Newman replied no.Minutes passed as the officer asked the two people for their names.After giving the officer a fake name, video showed Newman pulling a gun out of a pouch he was hiding. He shot the gun, but it did not go off. He then tried to reload and pointed it at the officer again.The theft prevention officer then jumped on Newman, causing him to drop the gun.The officer brought Newman to the ground and called for backup.Officers later found two bullets in Jeffrey’s pocket, who also had two warrants out for her arrest.Newman had one warrant of his own and was holding onto several pills.Jeffrey is facing a robbery charge and Newman is facing several charges, including assaulting a peace officer and attempted murder.

    A police officer in Canton, Ohio, is lucky to be alive after an accused shoplifter pointed a gun in his face and pulled the trigger.

    The whole incident was captured on body cam video.

    The video is in the player above, however, viewer discretion advised

    Canton police were called to the Walmart on Thursday afternoon for two people shoplifting.

    Police took 23-year-old Katerina Jeffrey and 21-year-old Shane Newman into custody after being accused of shoplifting.

    Before the two sat down, Newman was patted down.

    “Nothing on you that’s going to poke me, stab me?” the police officer asked Newman.

    Newman replied no.

    Minutes passed as the officer asked the two people for their names.

    After giving the officer a fake name, video showed Newman pulling a gun out of a pouch he was hiding. He shot the gun, but it did not go off.

    He then tried to reload and pointed it at the officer again.

    The theft prevention officer then jumped on Newman, causing him to drop the gun.

    The officer brought Newman to the ground and called for backup.

    Officers later found two bullets in Jeffrey’s pocket, who also had two warrants out for her arrest.

    Newman had one warrant of his own and was holding onto several pills.

    Jeffrey is facing a robbery charge and Newman is facing several charges, including assaulting a peace officer and attempted murder.

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  • Shocking video shows shoplifting suspect pulling gun on police officer


    Shocking video shows shoplifting suspect pulling gun on police officer – CBS News









































    Watch CBS News



    A video from an Ohio Walmart shows a shoplifting suspect pulling a gun on officers while being questioned in a security room. CBS News’ Adriana Diaz reports.

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  • Mom tries to get Black Barbie dolls for daughter at Walmart. Then she takes a closer look at each of the dolls: ‘Ain’t nobody well here’

    A mother went inside Walmart to get her daughter a Black Barbie doll. Then, she realized the store did not have any without disabilities.

    In a video with 1.8 million viewers, @praylivingthislife explained why she left her local Walmart without a Black Barbie doll for her daughter. According to her, the store only offered blind and diabetic Black Barbies at the time she visited.

    “Now, why they do this? I’m trying to find my baby, you know, some dolls with some color, and I was going to get her, and this is nice, but she’s diabetic and her sugar a little bit high,” she told her audience. She then picked up another Black Barbie and noticed she was blind.

    Why does Walmart not have any Black Barbies?

    Walmart, a large corporate retailer, may have an issue ensuring it also has a diverse range of Barbies available whenever someone walks in-store. Out of the 35 skin tones, 97 hairstyles and nine different body types that Mattel has, the store offers countless selections online. But that doesn’t guarantee variety when shopping in person. 

    It’s possible that Walmart sold out of select Black Barbie dolls like the Brunette Fashion Doll. Based on their Barbie listings online, Walmart does generally have both able and disabled Barbies on any given day. But, with Christmas right around the corner, @praylivingthislife may have come on a day with limited selection.

    It’s also possible that Walmart generally keeps more white Barbies in stock. For decades, white Barbies have been treated like the “standard” product. In 2020, around 68 percent of Mattel’s Barbie dolls were white. They’re often the first Barbies to appear whenever you search for them online, so stores still treat them like the “standard” doll. 

    Diversity is also oftentimes bundled rather than expanded, or placed in “sublines” rather than their products hitting shelves everywhere. A disabled Barbie might be a “fashionista,” but she won’t end up being part of Mattel’s main line products that end up in every store. 

    Did she have a problem with the other dolls?

    Some commenters slightly misconstrued @praylivingthislife’s messaging in her post, with some expressing how positive disabled representation in stores can be.

    One commenter wrote, “My daughter got the blind Barbie for her birthday from a friend whose daughter is blind and asked Santa for the diabetic Barbie because she has an insulin pump like Mommy. She loves having Barbies that represent loved ones in her life,” with a shrugging emoji.

    Others mentioned that those Barbies might actually be rare finds. “I collect the disabled Barbies and those two are the ones I’ve been trying to find forever. You’re so lucky. But I do agree, there needs to be more diversity beyond the Barbies that are considered able-bodied.”

    @praylivingthislife ♬ original sound – mom lifestyle

    @prayingthislife clarified, however, that she wasn’t upset about the fact that some Barbies had a disability. She was upset because she couldn’t find a Barbie that was like her daughter when she went to Walmart.

    In her video, she said, “There’s nothing wrong with showing diversity, but this one blind and they just don’t have any, well Black baby dolls over here in the Walmart on Memorial Drive. All the black baby dolls got a little illness going on. Ain’t nobody well over here if you’re black.”

    As one commenter stated, “There should be some black dolls that don’t have any illnesses. There ALSO should be black dolls that do.”

    While it is most likely a stocking issue rather than a product issue, it does seem as though Walmart and Mattel could make more of a conscientious effort to ensure all types of Barbies are featured on shelves.

    The Mary Sue has reached out to Walmart, Mattel and @praylivingthislife for comment. 

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Rachel Thomas

    Rachel Joy Thomas is a music journalist, freelance writer, and hopeful author who resides in Los Angeles, CA. You can email her at [email protected].

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  • Walmart customer orders delivery. Then she notices something strange about how the driver bagged her items: ‘Technically that’s against the rules’

    Decorating a Christmas tree is a popular holiday tradition. When you think of this custom, lights, inflatables, garlands, and ornaments may pop into mind. Instead of the usual plastic or glass ornaments, some are resorting to online DIY methods and buying products for it from stores like Walmart. Across social media, people are turning to Grandma Betty to liven up the festivities.

    Who is Grandma Betty?

    Grandma Betty Conley (@bettyconley602) is a craft specialist with 45 years of experience and a Christmas enthusiast. Recently, her work has gone massively viral on social media for her homemade salt-dough ornament tutorial.

    Step by step, she demonstrated how to create her handmade gingerbread ornament bears using key ingredients such as polyurethane spray, ribbon, instant coffee, and flour. Because of its simple, long-lasting designs, social media users are rushing to their nearest stores to purchase the ingredients needed to replicate her holiday creations. 

    It appears retail workers are also catching on to this trend.

    What did this Walmart customer notice?

    “I just got a grocery pickup, and I think my Walmart worker knows about Grandma Betty’s Ornaments,” Stay-at-home mother Chelsea (@lifeofamother) begins her video, standing in her kitchen.

    What led her to suspect this? “I got normal groceries. Then, I threw in Polyurethane Spray, ribbon, and instant coffee. This was in a bag together with my flour,” she explains, unveiling each item.

    Those not actively on TikTok may not notice anything unusual about these product combinations. However, anyone who has viewed the viral grandma’s videos may recognize the iconic recipe. So, the content creator believes that all of the items bundled together aren’t a coincidence.

    “There’s no way out of all of the stuff that they bagged these items together. I think that’s so funny,” Chelsea explains. “Grandma Betty is taking over the internet.”

    What did viewers think of this Walmart bagging assortment?

    Chelsea’s video amassed 1.1 million views. Many found the arrangement of Grandma Betty’s Ornament ingredients in the same bag humorous.

    “That’s hilarious. I was going to try my hand at making some Grandma Betty ornaments too,” one viewer commented.

    “It was definitely intentional because those were separate pick walks altogether lol,” another stated.

    A Walmart employee echoed the same sentiment, writing, “As a Walmart digital shopper, we do know. I love seeing people buy stuff for TikTok crafts and meals!”

    On the other hand, some felt the opposite, stirring panic and condemnation of the bagging.

    “Technically that’s against the rules,” one commenter remarked. “You dont bag chemicals with food.”

    “They never should have put food with that spray,” a second echoed.

    Why shouldn’t chemicals and food be in the same bag?

    In a nutshell, it’s a lethal form of cross-contamination and a health hazard. If there are any leaks or spills from the chemical, they can contaminate the food, posing a significant safety risk. Instead, it must be sorted into different bags. Furthermore, it can violate a grocery store’s policies, including Walmart’s, which instruct associates to bag chemicals separately from food, according to the company’s website.

    @lifeofamother We’re about to be snowed in for the weekend so i had to grab supplies to make @bettyconley602 ornaments! #grandmabetty #christmasornaments ♬ original sound – chelsea | SAHM & TT finds

    The Mary Sue reached out to Chelsea via TikTok comment and direct message as well as Walmart via media contact form.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Melody Heald

    Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, The Daily Dot, and more. You can email her at: [email protected]

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  • Mom signs up kids for Angel Tree gifts. Then she films them opening them. Now people are calling them ungrateful: ‘Young boys do not want Skechers’

    What was supposed to be a heartwarming Angel Tree unboxing quickly turned into a comments-section bloodbath. A mom went viral after filming her kids opening donated Christmas gifts, but the video derails the instant her son clocked the Skechers logo and decided ‘absolutely not.’

    There are side-eyes at the Barbie dolls, an outright shoe rejection, and even slapping the pair of jeans out of the mom’s hands. This is where TikTok wasted no time weighing in on gratitude, parenting, and why maybe some moments don’t need to be content.

    What is the Angel Tree Program?

    Before we dive in, it’s important to know how the entire program works. As many know, the holidays are a tough time for low-income families who cannot provide gifts for their children. This is where the Angel Tree Program came to exist. Started way back in 1979, the program is “a holiday assistance program in which an individual or group sponsors a child ‘Angel’ and purchases new toys, clothing, shoes, or gift cards for children ages 0-12.” The Mary Sue has covered similar stories concerning Angel Tree, like the time a sponsor was flamed on TikTok because she got only “cheap” gifts for her ‘Angel.’ 

    This particular case, however, deals with the Prison Fellowship, a partner to Angel Tree, but for families with incarcerated parents. It is described as “reach[ing] out to the children of prisoners and their families, helping to meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through Christ.”

    It is relevant to note the importance of “providing Christmas gifts to children on behalf of their incarcerated moms and dads.” In that case, it is safe to assume that the children in the TikTok video have an incarcerated parent, making them eligible for Angel Tree. It is also worth noting the importance of religion, as the mom in the video mentions going to church multiple times in the clip.

    What Actually Happened While Unwrapping?

    Mookie (@justMookiiee), who is the mom in the video, has already gained 1.6 million views and over 4,500 comments. The clip is a minute and 20 seconds long, with a preface from the mother at the beginning.

    She starts, “The kids, I let them open up the gifts they got from Angel Tree for incarcerated parents. So, this is what they received. I told them to be thankful caz they ain’t have to get nothing.” The video then cuts to the kids, one boy and one girl, holding up their gifts. 

    They start with the typical child-like excitement, shouting, “We got our presents!”  The mom tells them to unwrap it, and the girl is quicker to tear the paper as the boy struggles with the ribbon. Her first box–out of two that are attached together–is revealed. She side-eyes the mom and says, “A white Barbie doll.”

    The brother laughs at her. As the girl unwraps her second box, which turns out to be more Barbie dolls, the boy finally removes the wrapping from his gift. It is a shoebox from the brand Skechers. The mom takes the box and says, “You got some sports Skechers.” The boy’s face completely changes as he starts looking unenthused. The mom is removing the tape, and the boy says, “I’m not wearing Skechers.” The mom then replies, “These are comfortable, boy, what you talkin’ bout?”

    The Boy is Not Happy

    As the mom does what’s left of the unboxing, the boy grabs one of the Barbie doll boxes from his sister and says, “I need a new toy, this is mine.” The sister takes it away from him as the mother pulls out a pair of jeans from the box. She notes this verbally, and the sister laughs at the brother in the background. The mom says he’ll “use it for church in the morning” and holds it up in front of him. The boy promptly slaps it out of her hands and it lands on the floor. He says, “get the [expletive] outta here.”

    Next, he puts his head in his hands, and the mom pulls out the tennis shoes. She repeats that he can wear this to church in the morning. His reply: “I ain’t wearin’ those.” The mom then holds up the shoes to the camera and shows an all-black Skechers tennis shoe. The mom calls it “crispy,” and the boy simply repeats, “I ain’t wearin’ those.” 

    @justmookiiee Angel tree program from incarcerated parents #angeltreeprogram #angeltree #incarceratedlivesmatter #fyp ♬ original sound – JustMookiiee

    Viewers are not holding back with their opinions. While most make sure to comment on how ungrateful the boy is, others also take his side. One viewer says, “Ungrateful at its finest.” Another adds, “Well…you didn’t teach them very well that’s sad.” Mookie replies, “They are still growing lots to learn.”

    A viewer shares another perspective: “I’m a huge angel tree supporter and this doesn’t upset me in the least. Kids like toys. Clothes aren’t exciting.” Another says in the same sentiment, writing, “I think he was hoping for a toy instead of shoes. I don’t think he was ungrateful; I believe he was just upset because he wanted a toy like his sister.”

    However, viewers clapped back: “People saying his reaction is warranted, no. He can express disappointment without being rude. This is the problem. We are not teaching children gratitude. Those shoes cost 45.00 at target plus the jeans.”

    One viewer simply says, “I never would have posted this.” To which Mookie replies, “Why not?”

    Several others, however, pointed out that branding is significant for a boy his age. As one user put it, “Teacher here- I get why he wouldn’t wear sketchers. Kids can be so mean to each other.”

    Gen Alpha and overconsumption

    Indeed, in the age of Stanley Cups, Labubus, and general overconsumerism, kids take brand-name stuff seriously. In an article by Common Sense Media, research breaks out the psychology of Gen Alpha.

    “Trending products are creating potential for bullying and exclusion,” the article states. “The age-old pressure to fit in is compounded by the growing list of products that kids feel they need to be cool and connect with their peers.”

    It continues, “Viral products like these can create a ‘social hierarchy’ in middle and even elementary schools. One adult shared that her ’11-year-old niece was bullied by her classmates for bringing an off-brand version of the Stanley cup.’ The overwhelming pressure and popularity of these brands are persuading kids that without these exact branded products, their social lives will suffer.”

    The Mary Sue reached out to the creator via email.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez-Gomez is a contributing reporter to the Mary Sue. Her work has appeared in the Daily Dot, Business Insider, Fodor’s Travel and more. You can follow her on X at @GisselleHern. You can email her at [email protected].

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  • Recalled frozen dessert sold by Walmart, Publix and Target might have stones

    The latest not-food-in-your-food recall comes from Danone U.S., which yanked pints of So Delicious frozen dessert because they might have “small stones and other hard objects, within the cashew inclusions.”

    While Danone’s recall notice said it has found the problem that added unwanted texture to So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts, the company didn’t say how this happened. Pints with best by dates before Aug. 8, 2027, are included in the recall from retailers nationwide.

    READ MORE: The reason a Publix store brand dessert got recalled in Florida, 7 other states

    Among those retail stores are Target, Walmart and Publix, each of which announced its involvement in the recall on their websites.

    Anyone with recalled pints should get a refund. Danone wants customers to reach out to the company online or at 833-367-8975, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. You should also be able to just return the frozen dessert to a store for a full refund.

    So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
    So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert FDA

    David J. Neal

    Miami Herald

    Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.

    David J. Neal

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  • Recalled frozen dessert sold by Walmart, Publix and Target might have stones

    The latest not-food-in-your-food recall comes from Danone U.S., which yanked pints of So Delicious frozen dessert because they might have “small stones and other hard objects, within the cashew inclusions.”

    While Danone’s recall notice said it has found the problem that added unwanted texture to So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts, the company didn’t say how this happened. Pints with best by dates before Aug. 8, 2027, are included in the recall from retailers nationwide.

    READ MORE: The reason a Publix store brand dessert got recalled in Florida, 7 other states

    Among those retail stores are Target, Walmart and Publix, each of which announced its involvement in the recall on their websites.

    Anyone with recalled pints should get a refund. Danone wants customers to reach out to the company online or at 833-367-8975, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. You should also be able to just return the frozen dessert to a store for a full refund.

    So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
    So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert FDA

    David J. Neal

    Miami Herald

    Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.

    David J. Neal

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  • Burbank Police Bring Joy to Local Youth at Annual Shop With a Cop Event

    (Photo by Ross A Benson)

    On Wednesday, December 10, the aisles of the Empire Center Walmart were filled with more than shopping carts and holiday wish lists. The Burbank Police Department hosted its annual Shop With a Cop event, where 30 local children, selected through the Burbank Housing Corporation, were invited to take part in a holiday experience designed to create memories and give back to families in need of a little extra love and support during this time of year.

    Each child received a $198 Walmart gift card along with a $50 Handy Market gift card, giving them the opportunity not only to shop for themselves, but to thoughtfully choose gifts for friends and family. The kids were paired with members of the Burbank Police Department and the Burbank Police Foundation as they walked the aisles together, carefully checking items off their lists.

    For many of the officers, it’s one of the most meaningful days of the year. The event was made possible through the generosity of community partners and donors including Walmart, the Burbank Police Foundation, the Burbank Police Officers’ Association, Burbank Kiwanis, and Burbank Rotary. Together, these organizations helped turn a simple act of shopping into a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community shows up for its own.

    Shop with a Cop at Walmart 2025 (Photo by Ross A Benson)

    Burbank Police Lieutenant Brent Fekety shared how special the tradition is for the department.

    “The Burbank Police Department is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Walmart, Burbank Housing Corporation, Burbank Police Foundation, Burbank Police Officers’ Association, and our local service organizations to support families in our community,” said Lieutenant Fekety. 

    “The Department’s Holiday Shopping Event is one of our most meaningful annual traditions because it allows us to connect with local youth, share in the spirit of the season, and give children a holiday experience they truly deserve. We appreciate the generosity of our partners and the continued support of the community in making this event possible.”

    As carts filled and they made their way to the check out stands, what stood out most was the warmth of the interactions. Police offers donning Santa hats and smiles provided a memorable experience that the kids will always remember. City council member Chris Rizzotti was in attendance with Police Chief Rafael Quintero as they soaked up the excitement of the event.

    It is a season often defined by hustle and stress, Shop With a Cop offered a reminder that the heart of Burbank lies in its people, its partnerships, and its commitment to lifting one another up. For the children who participated, it was a day of joy, and for the officers, it was a chance to serve in a way that reaches beyond their duty to serve.  Just another example of how Burbank continues to show up with generosity, compassion, and holiday spirit…one shopping cart at a time. 

    BurCal Apartments8715

    Ashley Erikson

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  • Use this hack to get a year of Peacock for $49 before Black Friday

    Walmart is offering its Walmart+ subscription at half off for new sign-ups, and it includes a choice of either Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essential. The deal for new subscribers is just $49 for the first year, marked down from $98.

    The real value is in selecting Peacock Premium, which would normally run you $110 per year on its own. With the current discount on a Walmart+ subscription you are essentially getting half off on your streaming subscription for that year.

    Walmart

    A Walmart+ subscription is 50 percent off for new subscribers.

    $49 at Walmart

    Just about every major streaming service has raised its prices in the last year, including HBO Max, Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV and YouTube TV, so saving some money on one of them just might be worth the effort. Cord cutting is not nearly as affordable as it used to be, so finding a deal like this is pretty helpful.

    Walmart+ itself offers myriad additional benefits like early access to Black Friday deals, free shipping on orders over $35, discounts on gas, free online veterinary care and more. Earlier this year, Walmart+ subscribers got first dibs on the Nintendo Switch 2 at the retailer. You can also use that free shipping to take advantage of Walmart’s drone delivery program in a handful of select cities.

    Andre Revilla

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  • Apple Black Friday deals are live: Some of the biggest sales we’ve seen this year on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches and AirTags

    According to our reviews, Apple makes some of the best tech you can buy. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price for the devices. Now that Black Friday sales have arrived, we’re seeing plenty of discounts on iPads, MacBooks, AirPods, Apple Watches and more. A few of the discounts are hitting all-time lows, and others are the best prices we’ve seen in months. So if you’ve got your eye on a new iPad for family, an Apple Watch for a gift or a pair of AirPods for yourself, this is the list to check out. Here are the best Apple Black Friday deals around.

    Editor’s note: Apple’s own website does not typically host sales. But now through December 1, you can get up to $250 in gift cards from that site. For pure discounts, however, you’ll need to shop Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, B&H Photo or other third-party retailers, which you’ll find linked below.

    Apple Black Friday deals: AirPods

    Billy Steele for Engadget

    In our review of the new AirPods Pro 3, we said they were Apple’s “most comprehensive update” to its Pro line yet. They feature live translation and heart-rate sensing, as well as improved overall sound, better active noise cancellation and a longer battery life. This is the lowest price yet on the new buds. Also at Walmart, Best Buy and Target.

    $220 at Amazon

    AirPods 4 (no ANC) for $69 ($61 off) at Amazon: You miss out on a few more features on the base-model AirPods 4: no live translation, no noise cancellation and no heart rate sensing, but you do get Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, like on the pricer models. We gave the entry-level buds an 88 in our review. The previous low price was $80. Also available at Walmart and Target.

    AirPods 4 (with ANC) for $110 ($69 off) at Amazon: If you just need moderate noise cancellation and prefer an open-wear fit (where nothing goes in your ear canal), you may prefer the new AirPods 4. They don’t have heart rate sensing or the hearing features the Pro models have. But we found the sound quality to be pretty good and appreciated Pro-level features like live translation. These hit a low of $100 earlier in the sale, but have since gone up to $110. Also at Walmart and $140 at Best Buy.

    AirPods Max for $400 ($149 off) at Amazon: These cans have been around for quite some time now, only getting the slightest upgrade with a new USB-C port in 2024. The hardware is otherwise the same as it was when the over-ear headphones debuted in 2020. Still, they’re comfortable, have good sound quality and the on-board controls are unique but good. This $400 sale price matches the all-time low and it’s good for most of the colorways, though a few hues are selling out. You can get the same deal at Walmart in for all but the orange model.

    EarPods for $17 ($2 off) at Amazon: For those who prefer a cord, here is the only Apple-branded wired earphone option. Also at Walmart.

    Apple TV Black Friday deal

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    Apple

    You can get six months of access to the Apple TV streaming service for only $36. That means you can catch Pluribus, the new show from Vince Gilligan (Better Call Saul) and other very good originals like Severance, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses. The offer is live through December 1 and is open to new and qualified returning subscribers but you have to subscribe directly through Apple (link below) and not through a third-party service.

    $36 at Apple

    Apple Black Friday deals: iPads

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    Jeff Dunn for Engadget

    The entry level iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, but that didn’t bother us when we reviewed the new slate. We found the speed to be plenty for what most people need an iPad for: casual gaming, streaming, browsing, answering some emails. We wish the display was laminated and had some anti-glare coating. But this is the lowest-priced way to get your hands on a current-model iPad. Also at Walmart, Target and Best Buy.

    $274 at Amazon

    iPad Air (M3, 11-inch, 128GB) for $449 ($151 off) at Amazon: The Air is the Goldilocks Apple tablet. It strikes the perfect balance between price and performance, making it our overall pick for the best iPad you can buy. The build is lovely; it feels premium and the display is a big improvement over Apple’s base-model slate. The M3 chip is plenty fast for everyday use and can handle an average day of productivity no problem, particularly with its improved multi-tasking abilities. This matches the lowest price we’ve tracked. Also on sale at Target and Best Buy.

    iPad Air (M3, 13-inch, 128GB) for $649 ($150 off) at Amazon: A larger screen will make watching shows and playing games more expansive. And if you use your iPad more like a personal computer, you’ll appreciate the extra real estate for spreading out your work. Like the 11-inch Air, this has a powerful M3 chip and an excellent screen, as well as support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence. This matches the lowest price we’ve tracked. Also at Target, Best Buy and it’s $749 at B&H.

    iPad mini (A17 Pro, 8-inch, 128GB) for $399 ($100 off) at Amazon: The smallest Apple iPad is really meant for those who put a priority on the portability and palm-ability of an 8-inch tablet. It uses the A17 chip, which enables support for Apple Intelligence, unlike the base model iPad. We gave it an 83 in our review, praising the fact that you get the full iPad experience, just in a more compact package. We found it particularly suited to messaging, reading, watching video and playing lots of Balatro. It went as low as $379 in October. Also at Best Buy.

    iPad Pro (M5, 11-inch, 256GB) for $899 ($100 off) at Amazon: While we think this is an amazing piece of computing machinery, we admit that it’s overkill for most people. It’s got one of the best displays you’ll find on a tablet, the most recent M5 chip (the same that powers the base-level Apple MacBook Pro) and an almost impossibly thin and light build. We gave it an 85 in our review and had very few complaints — aside from the near-prohibitive price tag. Hopefully this Black Friday discount helps. This $100 discount is a new all-time low. It’s $927 at Walmart.

    iPad Pro (M5, 13-inch, 256GB) for $1,199 ($100 off) at Amazon: To get the most out of the excessive power of the M5 chip, you might want the biggest screen. Once you add in the keyboard and Pencil Pro, you’re looking at one pricey setup (and might be better off with a MacBook?). But if extreme portability and massive power is what you crave, you may as well save $100 with this Black Friday discount. Also at Best Buy and B&H.

    Apple Black Friday deals: Apple Watches

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    Cherlynn Low for Engadget

    Apple still makes the best smartwatch money can buy. The flagship Apple Watch Series 11 is not just a stalwart companion for an iPhone, it also offers comprehensive health monitoring and fitness tracking. There wasn’t a huge change from the Series 10 to this one — both have the same thin and light design, but now the glass is tougher and the battery lasts longer. This $60 discount is a brand new low. Also at Walmart and Target.

    $339 at Amazon

    Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS) for $199 ($49 off) at Amazon: After a couple years, Apple finally updated its budget-model smart watch. And we were pretty happy with the results, awarding the new wearable a review score of 90. It’s got a smaller screen and thicker bezels than the Series 11 and lacks a few of the more advanced health monitoring features. It’s also made from slightly less-robust materials. But it has nearly everything that makes Apple Watches great for a lot less — particularly now. This is the lowest price we’ve seen since the watch came out in September. Also at Walmart and Target.

    Apple Watch Ultra 3 (49mm, GPS + cellular) for $700 ($99 off) at Amazon: The newest feature for Apple’s priciest smartwatch is satellite connectivity. The Ultra 3 has a titanium case, a large 49mm screen size and comes standard with cellular and dual GPS connectivity. It also has features for adventuring, like an on-board siren, depth gauge and up to 3,000 nits of brightness. The $99 discount within a dollar of the all-time low.

    Apple Black Friday deals: MacBooks and Macs

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    Apple

    As far as we’re concerned, Apple makes the best laptop overall with the M4 MacBook Air. It’s light and portable yet powerful enough to handle all but the most demanding media rendering. The keyboard and touchpad are excellent and the battery will get you through a full day of work and then some. It earned a 92 in our review. Also at Best Buy and it’s $100 off at B&H.

    $749 at Amazon

    Apple MacBook Air (M4, 15-inch, 256GB) for $949 ($250 off) at Amazon: The M4 chip is quite powerful, to take advantage of all the productivity it enables, you might want a little more room on your screen. When Apple first made a 15-inch option for the MacBook Air a couple generations ago, we were surprised at the difference it made. Also at Best Buy and it’s $100 off at B&H.

    Apple MacBook Pro (M5, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,349 ($207 off) at Amazon: Apple’s most recent M-series chip is the M5, and only comes equipped on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro. When the M5 MacBook Pro M5 came out last month, we promptly reviewed it and awarded it a 92. That new chip gives the laptop an impressive graphics upgrade that helps make it more suited to gaming — an area where Apple still lags behind PCs. Other than the chip upgrade, it’s mostly the same, which is a good thing. It’s sturdy, powerful and has an impressively long battery life — we clocked 34 hours in a video run-down test. Also at Walmart, Best Buy and B&H.

    Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro, 14-inch, 512GB) for $1,749 ($250 off) at Amazon: The M5 chip isn’t yet available in the Pro and Max variants. If Apple follows the same six-month gap that separated the M4 from the M4 Pro and Max chips, we may see the M5 Pro/Max in spring of next year. For now, however, those higher-specced chips can only be found in the M4-series lineup. The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is on sale and it’s our recommendation for creative professionals who need an obscene amount of processing power. Also at Walmart, Best Buy and B&H.

    Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro, 16-inch, 256GB) for $2,189 ($310 off) at Amazon: You sacrifice a little portability for the larger 16-inch screen, as it adds about a pound and a quarter to the weight. But you might appreciate the extra space for your work on the display. Also at Walmart and B&H.

    Apple 2024 iMac (M4, 24-inch) for $1,149 ($150 off) at Amazon: Apple just has one model of an all-in-one desktop computer and it has the M4 chip inside. We called the iMac more cost effective than ever, now that it comes with a minimum of 16GB of RAM. The M4 chip makes it capable for content creation, productivity and gaming.

    Mac mini (M4) for $479 ($120 off) at Amazon: Apple’s compact desktop computer got a rave review from us. We called it “shockingly small [and] incredibly powerful.” It also benefits from a bump to a minimum of 16GB of internal memory. It can play modern games at reasonable resolutions and handle most productivity tasks you throw at it.

    Apple Black Friday deals: Accessories

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    Apple AirTag (4-pack) for $63 ($36 off) at Amazon: Even though they haven’t been updated in a few years, Apple’s AirTags are still the gold standard of Bluetooth trackers, and what most people think of when they think of trackers. We may get a new version soon, but they aren’t likely to be this cheap. Also at Walmart. A single AirTag is on sale too for $18 instead of $29.

    Apple Pencil USB-C for $49 ($30 off) at Amazon: If you have the new base-model iPad with the A16 chip, this is the pencil that will work for you. It’ll also work with current as well as slightly older models of the Air and Pro iPads.

    Apple Pencil Pro for $95 ($35 off) at Amazon: The Apple Pencil situation is a little messy, so you’ll want to double check which model is compatible with your particular iPad. The Pencil Pro is the most fully featured in the lineup with haptic feedback, barrel roll and squeeze capabilities, and a hover preview feature. It’ll work with the two most recent models of the Air and Pro iPads, as well as the latest iPad mini. This deal is $5 more than the all-time low and it’s also available at Walmart and Best Buy.

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    Amy Skorheim

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