WILL THE RETAIL SUPPORT BRIGADE TURN OUT THIS YEAR? On Black Friday, Wal-Mart to simplify deals schedule.

In an effort to score big on Black Friday, Wal-Mart says that it is simplifying its schedule for rolling out deals this year and has made a big push to ensure shoppers don’t find key items out-of-stock.

The world’s largest retailer plans to kick off its in-store sale at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving – the same time as last year. But, based on customer feedback, the company is retreating from an approach it tried last year in which it staggered deals so that some began later in the evening or even on Friday.

“Fundamentally, the customers are asking for, ‘Make it simple for me. Give it to me all at one time,’ ” said Steve Bratspies, Wal-Mart U.S.’s chief merchandising officer.

The retailer is also moving to have more synchronization between its online deals and in-store deals, with 96 percent of specials available in both channels this year, a share that executives said is up significantly from last year.

Hmm.