Shoppers Frustrated as Walmart’s Mac & Cheese Box Sells Out Instantly

Walmart customers experienced significant frustration on November 24, 2023, after the highly anticipated limited-edition “Mac Friday Box” was sold out within seconds. This novelty item, designed to resemble a 65-inch flat-screen television, contained 65 boxes of classic Kraft Mac & Cheese and was released on Walmart’s website at midnight.

Retailing for just $19.37, a price that celebrates the year Kraft was founded, the Mac Friday Box attracted numerous savvy shoppers. Each individual box within the package effectively cost only 30 cents, which is significantly lower than the standard retail price. The novelty nature of the product, combined with its attractive price point, drew considerable attention, especially following promotional efforts from social media influencers, notably Zach Ciampa, known for his account “Snack with Zach.”

Frustrations mounted as eager customers reported spending hours waiting on the Walmart website in hopes of securing the coveted item. Many were disheartened to discover that their efforts were in vain. “I literally had it in my cart and it sold out while I was hitting the finish button — what even,” one dissatisfied shopper remarked on social media. Another expressed dismay at having stayed up late for the launch, stating, “I’m so sad, stayed up for this and I literally have to work tomorrow.”

The sentiment was echoed by others, with one user lamenting, “Sounds like no one in the comment section even got a chance to buy one. It’s prob going to resell for hundreds more.” By Friday morning, the popularity of the Mac Friday Box was evident, as a link to the item on Walmart’s site displayed a message stating, “We couldn’t find this page.”

The overwhelming demand for the Mac Friday Box raises questions about inventory management and customer satisfaction during high-traffic sales events. As retailers continue to navigate the complexities of online shopping, the response to this limited-time offer reflects the intense competition and high expectations of consumers during the holiday shopping season.