Content about Criticism of Walmart

February 21, 2013
Walmart bests forecasts amid soft sales

Walmart saw a slight 1% increase in same-store sales at U.S. stores, but beat analyst estimates and delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits, the company announced.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart saw a diminutive 1% increase in same-store sales at U.S. stores, but beat analyst estimates and delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits, the company announced Thursday.

Walmart said total sales increased 3.9% to $127.1 billion compared to $122.3 billion last year. Without the benefit of a favorable currency exchange situation, sales would have increased a lesser 3.7% to $126.8 billion. Full year sales increased by 5% to $466.1 billion compared to last year’s total of $443.8.

January 22, 2013
Report: Shoppers want more buy-America options and Walmart aims to give it to them

More than 80% of Americans are willing to pay more for Made in the USA products, according to a USA Today report published online late Monday night.

TYSONS CORNER, Va. — More than 80% of Americans are willing to pay more for Made in the USA products, according to a USA Today report published online late Monday night. 

Out of those shoppers actively seeking to buy all things American, 93% reported that they wanted to keep jobs in the U.S. as their primary reason for doing so, the report noted, citing a survey released in November by Boston Consulting Group.

December 10, 2012
Walmart kicks off '12 Days of Giving' Facebook campaign with $100K in grants

With the holiday season now underway, Walmart has started announcing the winners of its second annual "12 Days of Giving" campaign.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — With the holiday season now underway, Walmart has started announcing the winners of its second annual "12 Days of Giving" campaign.

On Dec. 10, its first day of giving, Walmart awarded $100,000 to 10 nonprofits for their work to feed hungry children in local communities. The gift is part of the more than $1.5 million that Walmart will give away to 140 grant recipients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. over the next 12 days.

November 15, 2012
Neighborhood Market format revisited

When planning commission officials in Northwest Arkansas gave Walmart the go ahead for a 40,000-sq.-ft. store in Bentonville, Ark., back in 1998, it was the retail industry’s biggest story that year.


When planning commission officials in Northwest Arkansas gave Walmart the go ahead for a 40,000-sq.-ft. store in Bentonville, Ark., back in 1998, it was the retail industry’s biggest story that year.


November 15, 2012
Walmart works to narrow the pharmacy gap

Walmart’s pharmacy footprint is poised for its most meaningful expansion in decades, thanks to shifting capital expenditure priorities that have begun to favor more aggressive expansion of smaller stores.


Walmart’s pharmacy footprint is poised for its most meaningful expansion in decades, thanks to shifting capital expenditure priorities that have begun to favor more aggressive expansion of smaller stores.


October 10, 2012
Supercenters rule, but small formats to accelerate for Walmart

Walmart plans a modest acceleration of its small-format stores in the coming years as investors were assured Wednesday that financial returns are now comparable with the company’s large supercenters.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart plans a modest acceleration of its small-format stores in the coming years as investors were assured Wednesday morning that financial returns are now comparable with the company’s large supercenters.

September 19, 2012
Walmart serves up fresh food loyalty program

Walmart and HumanaVitality have developed a unique way to incentivize people to eat healthier while promoting increased customer traffic at Walmart stores.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart and HumanaVitality have developed a unique way to incentivize people to eat healthier while promoting increased customer traffic at Walmart stores.

The companies on Wednesday morning launched a first-of-its-kind program called Vitality HealthyFood, whereby Walmart offers a 5% discount on produce items to HumanaVitality members. The discount is loaded on a card in the form of a credit within five business days that can be redeemed on a subsequent trip to Walmart.

September 13, 2012
Here comes the sun to Arizona Walmart distribution center

Walmart boosted its sustainable reputation Thursday with the announcement of a new solar initiative at its distribution center near Phoenix.

BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Walmart boosted its sustainable reputation Thursday with the announcement of a new solar initiative at its distribution center near Phoenix.

The retailer will outfit the DC with more than 14,000 solar panels — making it Walmart's largest solar installation to date. The panels will cover the 1,000-sq.-ft. building and parking canopies. The panels will produce up to 30% of the center's energy needs and generate up to 5.3 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy per year, according to Walmart.