Content about Wal-Mart

May 22, 2012
Walmart tops list of most valuable retail brands

Walmart topped the list of retailers on the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, according to a study commissioned by WPP Group and conducted by Millward Brown Optimor.

NEW YORK — Walmart topped the list of retailers on the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, according to a study commissioned by WPP Group and conducted by Millward Brown Optimor.

The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study identifies and ranks the world's most valuable 100 brands by their dollar value, an analysis based on financial data combined with consumer measures of brand equity.

May 17, 2012
Walmart Q1 comps gain 2.6%

First-quarter profits at Walmart exceeded analysts’ estimates as same-store sales increased 2.6% and the company said its strategy of low prices on a broad merchandise assortment is resonating again with shoppers.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — First-quarter profits at Walmart exceeded analysts’ estimates as same-store sales increased 2.6% and the company said its strategy of low prices on a broad merchandise assortment is resonating again with shoppers.

May 16, 2012
Generic Plavix arrives at Walmart, Sam's Club stores

Walmart and Sam's Club will be among the first retailers to offer a generic version of an antiplatelet drug.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart and Sam's Club will be among the first retailers to offer a generic version of an antiplatelet drug.

Clopidogrel, the generic version of Plavix, will be available at both banners pharmacies on May 19. The patent for the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi drug officially expires Thursday.

May 14, 2012
Harris poll: Walgreens tops among drug store retailers in brand equity

Consumers gravitate toward traditional pharmacies for their everyday health-and-wellness needs, according to the "2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend" survey released Monday.

NEW YORK — Consumers gravitate toward traditional pharmacies for their everyday health-and-wellness needs, according to the "2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend" survey released Monday. Among retail pharmacy operations, Walgreens enjoyed the greatest brand equity among consumers based on top consumer scores in "familiarity" and "purchase consideration" categories. Overall, Walgreens' brand equity was tabulated at 69.9, CVS/pharmacy came in at 67.4 and Rite Aid 62.5.

May 7, 2012
Reports: Costco looks to grow sales online

Club retailer Costco Wholesale is looking to grow its online retail presence, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Club retailer Costco Wholesale is looking to grow its online retail presence, according to published reports.

According to The Seattle Times, the company plans to introduce apps for Apple and Android devices this month in order to boost its online sales, which, at about $2 billion a year, are behind companies like Walmart and Amazon.

Citing industry statistics, The Seattle Times reported that Costco ranked 17th among online retailers, while Amazon had the top spot, and Walmart was fourth.

May 3, 2012
Charitable bottled water company claims top prize in Walmart contest

HumanKind Water, PlateTopper and SnapIt Eyeglass Repair Kit have the distinction of being the winners of Walmart's Get on the Shelf contest — beating out more than 4,000 inventors, entrepreneurs and small businesses to claim the coveted prize of being carried in Walmart's U.S. stores, as well as on Walmart.com.

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — HumanKind Water, PlateTopper and SnapIt Eyeglass Repair Kit have the distinction of being the winners of Walmart's Get on the Shelf contest — beating out more than 4,000 inventors, entrepreneurs and small businesses to claim the coveted prize of being carried in Walmart's U.S. stores, as well as on Walmart.com.

May 2, 2012
Network of Executive Women honors Walmart chief Duke with diversity award

The Network of Executive Women is honoring Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, with its William J. Grize Diversity Hall of Fame Award, on June 28 during Women's Day at the LPGA in Rogers, Ark.

CHICAGO — The Network of Executive Women is honoring Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, with its William J. Grize Diversity Hall of Fame Award, on June 28 during Women's Day at the LPGA in Rogers, Ark. The award, named after the late CEO of Ahold USA, who was an early advocate of industry diversity, is bestowed upon industry leaders who have demonstrated "an enduring commitment to the advancement of women and to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace," NEW announced.

May 1, 2012
Maty's launches chest rub at Walmart

Maty's Healthy Products on Monday launched its all-natural baby chest rub into select Walmart stores, the company announced.

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Maty's Healthy Products on Monday launched its all-natural baby chest rub into select Walmart stores, the company announced.

"Having one of our products available at such a highly recognized and widely celebrated retailer like Walmart is a huge step for our brand," Maty's co-founder Robert Harrington said.

April 27, 2012
Walmart's online 'pay cash' option helps deliver a tailored customer experience

The news that Walmart now is offering cash payment options for online orders on its site in the United States is important for several reasons. Not only is Walmart the first major retailer to offer the service, but it also further illustrates that stores increasingly are just one slice of a larger, more connected consumer experience.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that Walmart now is offering cash payment options for online orders on its site in the United States is important for several reasons. Not only is Walmart the first major retailer to offer the service, but it also further illustrates that stores increasingly are just one slice of a larger, more connected consumer experience.

April 26, 2012
Walmart becomes first-ever retailer to launch online 'pay with cash' option

Walmart has launched a "pay with cash" service that offers cash payment options for online orders at Walmart.com in the United States.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has launched a "pay with cash" service that offers cash payment options for online orders at Walmart.com in the United States.

Walmart is the first major retailer to offer online purchases without the need for banking services or a credit, debit or prepaid card.

April 16, 2012
Walmart board searches for right fit with Google exec

Walmart announced that Google's VP local and maps Marissa Mayer will be up for election to the board at the company's annual shareholders' meeting on June 1. If elected, Mayer would become the 16th member of the board.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that Google's VP local and maps Marissa Mayer will be up for election to the board at the company's annual shareholders' meeting on June 1. If elected, Mayer would become the 16th member of the board.

April 5, 2012
Survey ranks retail brand relevance

A study conducted by Brodeur Partners has unveiled the most relevant retailers in the United States.

BOSTON — A study conducted by Brodeur Partners has unveiled the most relevant retailers in the United States.

April 3, 2012
NEW names Walgreens VP to association vice chair post

Catherine Lindner, Walgreens VP retail marketing, has been named vice chair of the Network of Executive Women, the association announced Tuesday.

CHICAGO — Catherine Lindner, Walgreens VP retail marketing, has been named vice chair of the Network of Executive Women, the association announced Tuesday. Under the NEW's bylaws, Lindner will assume the post of board chair when the term of the current board chair — Walmart SVP home Michelle Gloeckler — expires in October 2012.

March 30, 2012
Walmart to cut grocery prices by $1 billion

Walmart said Thursday it will reduce prices on groceries by $1 billion in 2012, in hopes to draw customers in and encourage them to cross-shop in other areas of the store.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart said Thursday it will reduce prices on groceries by $1 billion in 2012, in hopes to draw customers in and encourage them to cross-shop in other areas of the store.

Walmart had $145 billion in grocery sales last year in the United States, making it the largest player in terms of domestic grocery sales. It says the price reductions in food and consumables are an investment and won’t impact margins ,especially if shoppers respond as planned with additional traffic and loyalty.

March 21, 2012
Beiersdorf announces promotions, additions to sales team

Skin care company Beiersdorf, whose brands include Nivea, Eucerin and Aquaphor, has announced changes to its sales organization.

WILTON, Conn. — Skin care company Beiersdorf, whose brands include Nivea, Eucerin and Aquaphor, has announced changes to its sales organization.

Tina Jackse has been promoted to the newly created position of VP global sales of Walmart, where she will be responsible for all Walmart business internationally. She will work collaboratively across the Beiersdorf affiliates around the world to help lead, develop and further strengthen Beiersdorf’s Walmart business globally. 

March 8, 2012
Body anti-aging segment struggles

As sales of facial anti-age products slip, the body anti-aging segment also is hitting some wrinkles, according to SymphonyIRI 
Group, a Chicago-based market research firm.


As sales of facial anti-age products slip, the body anti-aging segment also is hitting some wrinkles, according to SymphonyIRI 
Group, a Chicago-based market research firm.


Sales of body anti-aging products, according to SymphonyIRI Group, declined 9% for the 12 weeks ended Jan. 22 at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).

 

 

March 7, 2012
Kantar Media releases 2011 retail promotional activity report

Kantar Media on Wednesday reported that overall retailer advertising expenditures increased 1.6% and retailer participation in Free Standing Insert coupon promotion pages increased 30.7% over calendar year 2011, versus the corresponding year-ago period.

MINNEAPOLIS — Kantar Media on Wednesday reported that overall retailer advertising expenditures increased 1.6% and retailer participation in Free Standing Insert coupon promotion pages increased 30.7% over calendar year 2011, versus the corresponding year-ago period. Additionally, digital coupon events increased 40.4% during this period across the leading retailer websites monitored by Kantar Media.

March 2, 2012
Walmart boosts quarterly dividend

Walmart said Thursday it is continuing its annual tradition of increasing shareholder payout by raising its dividend by 9%.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart said Thursday it is continuing its annual tradition of increasing shareholder payout by raising its dividend by 9%.

Walmart will pay a quarterly dividend of 39.75 cents on April 4 to shareholders of record on March 12. That works out to $1.59 per share for the year. The company has increased its dividend every year since its first declared dividend in March 1974.

According to Walmart president and CEO Mike Duke, the company's U.S. business is back on track, and international results remain strong.

February 23, 2012
Sears Holdings posts $3.1 billion loss for 2011

"Integrated retail" was the dominant theme as executives discussed Kmart operator Sears Holdings' plans to restore confidence in the company after a fourth quarter 2011 that even the company's chief executive called "unacceptable" during an earnings call Thursday.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — "Integrated retail" was the dominant theme as executives discussed Kmart operator Sears Holdings' plans to restore confidence in the company after a fourth quarter 2011 that even the company's chief executive called "unacceptable" during an earnings call Thursday.

February 21, 2012
Interbrand reveals top U.S. retail brands for 2012

While Walmart maintained the No. 1 position on Interbrand's "U.S. Most Valuable Retail Brands" list for 2012, several other retailers are moving up the ranks.

DAYTON, Ohio — While Walmart maintained the No. 1 position on Interbrand's "U.S. Most Valuable Retail Brands" list for 2012, several other retailers are moving up the ranks.

Although Walmart touts a value that's more than $139 billion, this year also marked a 2% decrease for the big box retailer, Interbrand said. Second on this year's list was Target, which holds a value of $23 billion, a 1% increase over last year.

February 17, 2012
Cough-cold, flu season just starting to move

As of early February, incidence of cough-cold and influenza still was relatively low, but the season has yet to peak and that means there could be demand for symptomatic relief through March.


As of early February, incidence of cough-cold and influenza still was relatively low, but the season has yet to peak and that means there could be demand for symptomatic relief through March.


“Fever is just starting to move,” noted Scott Hanslip, director of sales for IMS Consumer Health, in the first week of February. However, overall incidence of upper respiratory illness was down 7.5% from September through Jan. 21, 
according to IMS Health tracking.


February 17, 2012
People News — 2/27/12

Brian Cornell has stepped down as Sam’s Club president and CEO, and has been replaced by Rosalind Brewer, who previously served as president of the Walmart U.S. East business unit. Walmart also named Rollin Ford chief administrative officer with responsibility for information systems, global sourcing, global business processes, global shared services and global customer insights. Ford was most recently chief information officer; Karenann Terrell replaced Ford as CIO. Gisel Ruis was named EVP and COO of Walmart U.S., responsible for U.S.

February 9, 2012
MusclePharm launches MMA Elite supplement line at Walmart

MusclePharm on Thursday announced its MMA Elite supplements powered by MusclePharm now are available in select Walmart stores.

DENVER — MusclePharm on Thursday announced its MMA Elite supplements powered by MusclePharm now are available in select Walmart stores. With the new partnership between MMA Elite — a mixed-martials arts brand licensed by Ultimate Brand Management — and MusclePharm, the new supplement line will be released in the Las Vegas area first and will then spread nationwide.

The first two products to be featured are Perform Elite, a pre-workout product, and Recover Elite, a post-workout supplement, at a suggested retail price of $19.97 each.

February 8, 2012
Walmart Canada goes on offensive ahead of Target arrival

Walmart isn’t about to let the grass grow under its feet in Canada.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Walmart isn’t about to let the grass grow under its feet in Canada. The discounter plans to spend about $753 million this fiscal year to expand its store presence in Canada, before rival Target begins its push in the country.

February 7, 2012
Walmart calls out healthy foods with 'Great For You' icon

In an effort to assure customers that private-label products are meeting the proper nutrition criteria, Walmart announced it is implementing a transparent initiative called "Great For You," an icon that calls out healthy foods sold in Walmart stores.

WASHINGTON — In an effort to assure customers that private-label products are meeting the proper nutrition criteria, Walmart announced it is implementing a transparent initiative called "Great For You," an icon that calls out healthy foods sold in Walmart stores, Walmart announced on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.