Walmart shoppers were left fuming after a much-anticipated 65-inch Mac & Cheese box sold out in mere seconds during a Black Friday flash sale.
The Flash Sale Frenzy
The 65-Inch Mac & Cheese box, a unique Black Friday promotion by Kraft, was designed to resemble a flat-screen television. On sale at Walmart for $19.37—a nod to the year Kraft Mac & Cheese was launched in 1937—the box offered a 75% discount on 65 regular-size boxes of mac and cheese. Despite the high anticipation, it vanished from the virtual shelves almost immediately, leaving countless shoppers unable to complete their purchase.
The sale, which began at midnight on Black Friday 2025, was anticipated to be a hit with consumers, offering a blend of humor and nostalgia. The product was marketed with playful features like “4K noodles” and “65 Original Flavor Series,” cleverly referencing television specifications and the product’s history. However, the extreme scarcity created immense frustration among consumers who stayed up late in hopes of snagging the deal.
Marketing Strategy and Consumer Reaction
The incident underscores a significant marketing strategy: creating buzz through novelty and scarcity. Kraft’s novelty item was not just about selling mac and cheese but about engaging consumers through a humorous and collectible item. The 75% discount further heightened the appeal, making it a must-have for deal-seekers. Yet the rapid sellout sparked a backlash, with consumers expressing their disappointment on social media.
The viral nature of the incident was fueled by influencers and consumers documenting their failed attempts to purchase the item. Social media platforms like TikTok saw a surge in content related to the sale, amplifying the story beyond the initial retail scope. This widespread engagement illustrates both the power and peril of flash sales in the digital age.
Retail Dynamics and Lessons Learned
The power dynamics in this flash sale heavily favored Kraft and Walmart, who controlled the product’s availability and pricing. Consumers, driven by the fear of missing out, were at the mercy of the retailer’s inventory and technical systems. The rapid sellout suggests either a gross underestimation of demand or an intentional strategy to create a viral marketing moment.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for both retailers and consumers. For retailers, it highlights the need for careful planning and communication to manage consumer expectations. For consumers, it underscores the unpredictable nature of flash sales and the importance of tempered expectations when engaging in such promotions.
Impact and Future Implications
In the short term, the incident generated significant negative sentiment towards Kraft and Walmart, with consumers voicing their frustration over perceived inventory shortages. However, from a marketing perspective, the buzz created by the sale and subsequent sellout may be seen as a success in terms of brand visibility and engagement.
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Walmart shoppers rage after waiting hours for 65-inch Mac & Cheese box — only for it to sell out in seconds | New York Post https://t.co/8a7jahc4SY
— Swami Sez (@swamisez) November 29, 2025
Long-term implications include potential consumer skepticism about future flash sales. Retailers may need to reconsider their strategies, balancing demand creation with adequate supply and transparent communication. The incident also raises questions about consumer protection and fair access to promotional offers, which could influence future retail practices and regulations.