Walmart unwraps big Christmas values Early.

In 3,500 stores across the U.S., Walmart reduced prices on some of the most popular toys, signaling its determination to be America’s price leader this Christmas. And over the next 10 days the retailer will fast track the opening of Christmas shops in stores nationwide.

And Walmart’s moves are right on the mark, a new survey shows. Consumers said they will start their Christmas shopping earlier and make other changes to help stretch their holiday cash.

“As consumers face higher prices for energy, a credit crunch and food inflation, we’re working to provide low prices on both everyday needs and on things people want so they can live better,” said John Fleming, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. “Consumers know we’ve been on their side all year with great brands, every day low prices and our Rollback program. And this Christmas will be no different.”

The 2008 Holiday Shopping Intentions Survey*, conducted on behalf of Walmart, was designed to learn what’s on America’s Christmas list this year, and what the gift buying priorities are for this coming Christmas season. In addition, this survey measures how the recent economic downturn may affect things ranging from how much consumers will spend on gifts, whom Americans will be shopping for, to how much people plan to give in charitable donations during the holiday season. It also measures attitudes of the much talked about Walmart mom.