Are Prime Days Really Cheaper? How Amazon, Target, Walmart & Best Buy Stack Up This October
Every fall, Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days promises massive savings, from electronics to household essentials. But the real question is: Are these deals actually cheaper, or just great marketing?
This year, major competitors aren’t sitting on the sidelines. Target, Walmart and Best Buy have launched overlapping October sales events of their own. With so many “can’t miss” promotions happening at once, how do you know where to actually shop?
We break it down retailer by retailer and see if Amazon Prime Day really lives up to the hype.
➢Related: The Psychology of Holiday Shopping: 8 Common Traps to Avoid
What Is Prime Big Deal Days?
Amazon’s October mega-sale is basically a second Prime Day, offering two days of lightning deals, deep discounts, and exclusive savings for Prime members.
- Dates: Oct. 7-8
- Access: Requires a Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year)
- Deals: Tech gadgets, home goods, early holiday gift shopping
- The catch: Not all “deals” are actually lowest-price-ever — some are inflated discounts.
Target’s Circle Week
Target has leaned hard into loyalty, and its Target Circle Week overlaps Amazon’s sales.
- Dates: Oct. 5-11
- Access: Free to join Target Circle (no paid membership required)
- Deals: Up to 40% off home essentials, apparel, and toys
- Perks: Extra 5% off with Target RedCard, free store pickup, and easy returns
💡Pro tip: Circle Week discounts often include seasonal decor and kids’ items — categories Amazon doesn’t dominate.
Walmart Deals, Delivered
Adding to the October sales competition, Walmart kicks off its Deals, Delivered event.
- Dates: Oct. 7–12
- Access: No membership required (a dig at Amazon’s Prime paywall)
- Deals: Big markdowns on electronics, small appliances, toys, and outdoor gear
- Perks: Walmart+ members get early access, but deals are available to everyone
💡Pro tip: Walmart shines with “doorbuster” household deals and pickup convenience. Plus, they’re known for undercutting Amazon on appliances and groceries.
Best Buy’s Techtober
Best Buy’s sale is laser-focused on tech, making it a natural Prime Day rival.
- Dates: Oct. 6-12
- Access: Available to all; My Best Buy Plus/Total members get extra perks
- Deals: Laptops, TVs, smartphones, headphones, appliances
- Perks: In-store expertise, Geek Squad protection, and bundled service discounts
💡Pro tip: Best Buy often price-matches Amazon during Techtober, making it a safe bet for big-ticket tech.
Shopping perks beyond discounts
Sometimes it’s not just about the price.
- Amazon: Fast shipping, endless selection — but Prime membership required
- Target: Free store pickup and simple returns
- Walmart: Grocery + home bundle deals, no membership required
- Best Buy: Expert tech help, extended warranties, and strong price-matching
How to tell if a shopping deal is legit
Before hitting “Buy Now,” ask yourself:
- Is the list price inflated? Tools like CamelCamelCamel track Amazon price history.
- Can you stack discounts? Target Circle + RedCard = double savings.
- Is the return policy flexible? Best Buy and Target often beat Amazon here.
- Are you factoring in membership costs? Amazon Prime is $139/year — worth it only if you use all the perks.
➢Related: 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Black Friday
Final thoughts: Strategy for October shopping
So, are Prime Days really cheaper? Not always. Amazon has flashy deals, but Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are playing just as hard, often with similar or better offers.
The smart move:
- Use price trackers before buying
- Compare across at least 2 retailers
- Factor in perks (returns, warranties, bonuses)
In short: Don’t let the “Prime Day” hype trick you. October is now a shopping season, and the best deal might be at your local Target, Walmart, or Best Buy.
Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.
