New York (CNN Business) Walmart, Target and Best Buy this week rolled out plans to woo shoppers during the holidays, focusing on early deals, speedier deliveries and beefed-up service in stores.

Retailers are beginning sales early this year because there are six fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas on the calendar than last year. Walmart will kick off its holiday deals on Friday, October 25.

"This year is a bit unique for our customers," Steve Bratspies, Walmart chief merchandising officer, said on a call with reporters.

Amazon AMZN Best Buy BBY To draw shoppers away fromonline, these retailers are promising faster deliveries. Walmart has started to offer free next-day delivery on orders over $35 for more than 200,000 items.said Tuesday that it would offer next-day delivery on thousands of smaller items such as tablets and headphones.

Walmart WMT Target TGT In stores,andwill dedicate additional staff on the sales floor to help customers find products and check out more quickly.

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