Wal*Mart reported its worse November same store sales in 10 years dragging the dow down yesterday 158 points, the worse triple digit decline since July.  
 
Wal*Mart's December sales will be more telling.  Of course more than new vacuums go into the sales equation but new vacuum sales at COSTCO, TARGET, and KOHL'S stores based on my personal and professional observations are outpacing new vacuum sales at Wal*Mart stores.  And with good reasons which I won't elaborate on now and here.  It is amazing that with 70 percent of all US residents within 5 miles and 90 percent with 15 miles of a Wal*Mart store that the sales, not just new vacuums,  have been flat.  But that's another discussion for another time.    
 
BTW, in 2005 cyber Monday (the first Monday after Thanksgiving) was not the best internet sales day of the Holiday season.  It was Monday December 12.  This year it will probably be later than December 12 due to the special incentives and bargains offered over the web close to the Christmas Holiday.
 
Carmine D.
 

HARDSELL:
 
I agree with both your statements, in part.  In the latter the question is "why?"  Why do the other retailers sell dysons better than Wal*Mart?  For the time being, let's ignore other brands and focus on dyson vacuums.
 
Dyson has had an ongoing battle with the sale of its vacuums at Wal*Mart stores.  Wal*Mart picked up the brand as part of its efforts to attract and appeal to higher income customers with trendier more expensive merchandise.
 
What are the results with dyson vacuums?  In the spring 2004, dyson launched the DC07 All Carpets exclusively in Wal*Mart stores for $349 with a 2 YEAR WARRANTY.  All dysons came with a 2 year warranty.  Sales were horrendous and many were returned and some still sit on store shelves for sale in boxes that have been repacked several times.  By all accounts the DC07 All Carpets was a good dyson model.  If it were still available in September 2006, I would have purchased it rather than the DC07 pink.  I think the DC07 All Carpets would have worked on my wool carpets.  The DC07 pink did not because of the brushbar clutch.  
 
Wal*Mart dropped the exclusive All Carpet model and opted to sell the DC07 All Floors at the going prices MSRP of $399.  A problem arose when Wal*Mart "rolled back" the DC07 All Floors price to $349.  The rest is a matter for debate but we know by January 2005, dyson was out completely of the Wal*Mart stores.  And dyson had to take back a boat load of DC07 All Floors which Wal*Mart refused to eat at $399.  Many of these got dumped on BEST BUY stores to sell at unadvertised in store discounts.
 
Other vacuums including the sourced HOOVER FUSION (launched exclusively at Wal*Mart stores in June 2005 and still there with a special model for Sam's Clubs) sold and still sell well at Wal*Mart stores in the price range of $90 to $118.  
 
Dyson and Wal*Mart stores kiss and make up and another exclusive model the DC07 Original is launched for sale for $378 in the Fall of 2006.  It appears in only limited Wal*Mart stores like the Super Centers but along with a plethora of other dysons is on the Wal*Mart web site. (Which BTW was down for the better part of Black Friday).
 
But wait: Now all the new dysons come with a 5 year warranty as of August 14, 2006.  Except 2: the DC16 hand held for $149 and the DC07 Original exclusive model at Wal*Mart.  The latter 2 dysons, including the Wal*Mart exclusive, have a 2 year warranty.  I can understand the DC16, but the DC07?  2 Years?  Why?  
 
All major retailers EXCEPT WAL*MART stores are allowed to discount dyson DC07, DC14, and DC15 models including the Animal models at prices substantially lower than MSRP.  Some as much as 20 percent from MSRP.  We even have a case on the Forum where a BEST BUY store sold a DC17 Absolute Animal (the top of the dyson line recently launched by dyson for $549) for $404 as a display model with no box.  But not Wal*Mart.  
 
What are the Wal*Mart dyson prices?  Same as they were 4 years ago and with a 2 year warranty on the first generation DC07 model.  Why?
 
Vacuum customers aren't stupid.  They won't buy a dyson vacuum from Wal*Mart.  And if they do in error make a dyson purchase, as soon as they see that they purchased the only dyson upright with a 2 year warranty for FULL PRICE, they will return it.  Maybe they will buy another dyson at another retailer, maybe not.  Retailers advertise the new dysons with the 5 year warranty.  And customers will know as soon as they go to the dyson web site to register for the warranty.
 
Dyson's product pricing and warranty are "killing" dyson sales at Wal*Mart stores.  No question and doubt about it.  It's indefensible.  The dyson brand and model will fold again just like before unless dyson and Wal*Mart face facts and take action quickly.  This is the best sales period for vacuums for all major US retailers.  If new vacuums don't sell now during the Christmas Holiday, they won't sell in January 2007 and after.  Even with huge discounts.  The window of opportunity is lost.  So is dyson at Wal*Mart.
 
Just to contrast the vacuum scenario.  The COSTCO store in N.Las Vegas recently added the HOOVER Elite for $89.  A pallet load.  With a floor model in front of the pallet.  They are flying off the shelves.  COSTCO members average about $70,000 in annual income a year. Typically the higher priced merchandise buying clientele compared to BJ's and Sam's.  They are buying up the HOOVER Elites.
 
Carmine D.

JimB:
 
Dyson is not taking a "tough stance" with Wal*Mart.  Dyson is "killing" any chance for success of its new dyson vacuum sales at both Wal*Mart stores and its web site.  Why?  A DC07 Original (first generation dyson) price of $378 and a warranty of 2 years.  AND dyson MSRP for all new dysons sold through the Wal*Mart web site.  These restrictions impugn Wal*Mart's competitiveness with other big box retailers for selling new dyson vacuums.  
 
Despite the long drawn out negotiations (over one year), firing of a Wal*Mart buyer, and high level intervention by dyson and Wal*Mart execs (professional friends) to get dyson back into Wal*Mart, nothing was learned from the previous mishaps with dyson and Wal*Mart over the DC All Carpet and DC07 All Floors.  And the end result will likely be the same again.  Dyson ousted by Wal*Mart.  When that happens then you'll hear the clapping of the "little guys."  And it will happen unless some significant changes are made very quickly.
 
Carmine D.

It's time to recap the Sunday weekly vacuum sales and HOOVER does it again with a full page ad in the Sunday PARADE advertising its Holiday sale: Buy a HOOVER Floormate and Windtunnel 2 now thru 1/7/07 and receive a $100 rebate.  Details and participating retailers at HOOVER.com.
 
BEST BUY features BOTH Euro-Pro Shark Infinity bagless HEPA models, red and teal, for $249 and $199 respectively.  Plus the HOOVER bagless model that is apperaing at all the retailers for the Holidays: The HOOVER Elite Rewind Bagless for $99.  But that's not all.  The dyson DC15 Animal for $599 before an instant $50 Gift Card.  In an ironic twist the Infinity bagless models get the now famous: Cyclones never lose suction.  And not the dyson.  A low blow to James from the big box retailer that encouraged him to launch his bagless brand in the USA in April 2002, before he really wanted to launch.
 
TARGET features some usual brands including the dyson DC07 ALL FLOORS for $399 before a $20 in store savings.  THe iRobot Scooba which originally listed for $599 is being sold for $299 AND a free $50 TARGET Giftcard.  
 
SEARS has its usual array of Kenmore products including the vacuum rated Number 1: The Sears Progressive "bagged" upright for $279.  The dyson DC14 Complete, a SEARS exclusive, for $479 is also on sale.  With the iRobots again for $299: The Scheduler and Scooba.
 
Linens N Things has ALL its the generation 1 and 2 dysons on sale: The DC07 All Floors and Animal and the DC14 Animal and the DC15 All Floors.  All at MSRP: The DC07 All Floors $399. the DC07 Animal $499, the DC14 Animal $549, and the DC15 All Floors $499.  But retailers and customers know that these dysons are old and have been around forever and they can't sell without discounts.  So use the 20 percent coupon which LNT is famous for advertising.
 
Talking about old dysons, CIRCUIT CITY features the DC07 All Floors and Animal for $399 and $499 respectively.  And no discounts.  These won't sell this week.  Plus the IRobot Discovery for $249 and the usual old inventory HOOVER uprights.
 
KOHL'S is THE ONLY retailer with the latest and greatest dyson DC17 Absolute Animal for $549.  But if you read the reviews on the website that Dyson Chris was kind enough to provide on this new model, you'll find that customers are shopping for the best price and not paying dyson MSRP.  After 4 years in the USA, American vacuum buyers have got dyson's number on prices.  And right along side the dyson is the teal Euro-Pro Infinity for $199 AND YET ANOTHER LOW BLOW TO THE INVENTOR OF CYCLONE SUCTION TECHNOLOGY: The Infinty, not the dyson, gets the acclaimed "NO LOSS OF SUCTION.  What's up with this?  James Dyson must feel like the Rodney Dangerfield of vacuums: No respect.  And let's not forget the iRobot Discovery for $279.  Roombas here, roombas there, Roombas Roombas everywhere.  And why not.  If you have the most sophisticated technology for vacuums for the 21 Century, why wouldn't ALL BIG BOX RETAILERS sell your robotic vacuum cleaners.
 
Last but least: ORECK.  David proves once again that he's smarter than the average vacuum maker and retailer.  Where does he advertise?  In the coupon magazine supplement of the newspaper, of course. Where else do you find savings and bargains?  All American consumers cut coupons and look for sale items there.  Why not put a full page ORECK ad with the most recognized man in vacuums in the coupon magazine?  David, you're still the vacuum marketing wiz in the US.  You got what Aretha Franklin made famous in her song:
R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  
 
That's ALL folks.
 
Carmine D.

If it's Sunday, it's vacuum advertising sales time for the newspapers and the big box retailers.
 
BEST BUY is still trying to sell off its first generation dyson DC07 but the $399 before the $50 Instant Gift Card won't budge them off the shelves.  The DC16 is still $149 and the only of the latest of the dysons to get BEST BUY advertising space.  The EUREKA BOSS SmartVac is $139 and one of BEST BUY's best sells.  Two of the HOOVER line up: THe FloorMate and All Terrain are among the advertised.  And the Rhoomba iRobot for $199.
 
If you are the last on the block to get smitten by the dyson bug, Linen-N-Things has the best sale this week on the first and second generation.  Like last week, still the same old same old: DC07 Animal and DC15 All Floors for $499 before 20 percent off.  Proudly displaying the 5 Year Warranty, just like last week.  But wait, what's this?  The Black & Decker Pivot Vacuum for $59 before the 20 percent off AND the LNT "NEW" moniker.  This is the brand and model that competes with the dyson DC16 hand held but for half the price.  Nice graphical depiction of the 10-position pivoting nozzle. And last but not least, the Rhoomba iRobot Scheduler for $329 before the 20 percent off.
 
And now to SEARS.  Still advertising its dyson DC14 Complete SEARS Exclusive for $479.  And an array of the best SEARS vacuum products upright and canister.  And the HOOVER WindTunnel Supreme for $119.  Excellent price for this HOOVER model.  And the Black & Decker Pivot Vacuum for $59 with the trailer "BEFORE IN-STORE SAVINGS." And the KONE Cordless hand vac (by Dirt Devil) for $39 "BEFORE IN-STORE SAVINGS."  Can you believe it?  SEARS is advertising a Dirt Devil!  But don't look for the Dirt Devil name on the ad.  It's not there.  ANd last but not least: You guessed it!  The Rhoomba iRobot Scheduler for $299.  
 
And Circuit City.  The newest of the retailers to add vacuums back to its venue, so don't be surprised by the "old" models and promos.  Can you believe its offering the DC07 Animal for $499 with the DC07 Animal play dyson free (a $39 value).  Wasn't this the dyson promo from the 2005 Holiday sales season?  Give it up dyson.  Put your leftover toys in the toy stores for $15-$20 like all the other play vacuums and get your DC17 in the big box retailers.  The usual old HOOVER and BISSELL models.  And last but not least:  Yup, the iRobot Red for $149 before a $25 Gift Card.  
 
TARGET even plays in the vacuum sales this week with the latest and greatest dysons: The DC17 Animal Absolute for $549 and the DC16 Hand Held for $149.  And the Kone cordless vacuums for $39 WITH THE DIRT DEVIL name AND the DD Broom Vacs for $49.  THe HOOVER Savvy for $199 before a $30 TARGET Giftcard.  (Limited quantities and no rainchecks).  But wait, that's not all.  You guessed it: the Rhoomba iRobot for $199 before a $30 TARGET Giftcard.  
 
Rhoombas here Rhoombas there.  Rhoombas Rhoombas everywhere.  And why not?  What working woman wouldn't love a man (or woman) who gives her a robotic vacuum?  Show the woman in your life, she's special.  Give her an iRobot vacuum for Christmas.
 
And rounding out the vacuum sales is Lowes.  With the Electrolux Oxygen 3 cann for $448; 2 year warranty, 20 pounds and 21 foot cord (winder).  Don't forget the Pronto 2 in 1 stick vac from Electrolux for $99.  And the BISSELL 2X ProHeat for $199.  And last but not least:.....................................gotcha.  Dyson DC14 Animal for $549 and DC16 for $149.  Slight foul up in the warranty information.  The ad shows the DC17 with 2 years and the DC16 with 5 years.  Well at least the prices are right.  But tell me this:  How is dyson supposed to sell the DC14 Animal for $549 when it's selling the DC17 Absolute Animal for $549.  Dah?  DC14, 2nd generation dyson with wimpy brushbar vice the latest and "greater dyson."  Both $549?  You gotta be kidding, right?  Come on dyson, reprice the products to sell.  The custom is out with the old and in with the new.  How?  Drop the prices on the 3, 4 and soon to be 5 year old models.  They're obsolete.  Get rid of them.  You're killing yourself and your product sales (and me in the process).  
 
Well, that's all folks.
 
Carmine D.