Content about Wal-Mart

May 26, 2011
Walgreens makes changes to beauty, personal care merchant teams

Walgreens on Wednesday promoted Mike Spear to divisional merchandise manager of the retailer’s personal care division and announced that Lauren Vondrasek is transitioning to the company’s beauty merchandising unit, which is headed by Barbara Larson.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday promoted Mike Spear to divisional merchandise manager of the retailer’s personal care division and announced that Lauren Vondrasek is transitioning to the company’s beauty merchandising unit, which is headed by Barbara Larson.

Spear has more than 20 years of retail experience, most recently as director of category planning at Walgreens.

May 20, 2011
Study: College students opt to shop at Walmart, Target

Walmart and Target are the top go-to shopping destinations for college students, according to a new study.

OBERLIN, Ohio — Walmart and Target are the top go-to shopping destinations for college students, according to a new study.

May 17, 2011
Walmart Q1 EPS beats guidance, but U.S. comps still a sore spot

Walmart reported first-quarter earnings that were above the company's guidance, reflecting stability and strength in global operations, according to company president and CEO Mike Duke.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart reported first-quarter earnings that were above the company's guidance, reflecting stability and strength in global operations, according to company president and CEO Mike Duke.

Walmart's net income was $3.4 billion, or 98 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $3.3 billion, or 87 cents per diluted share.

May 12, 2011
Former Walmart executive named Save-A-Lot president, CEO

Supervalu banner Save-A-Lot has appointed a new leader, replacing company veteran Bill Shaner, who lead the division since 2006.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Supervalu banner Save-A-Lot has appointed a new leader, replacing company veteran Bill Shaner, who lead the division since 2006.

May 12, 2011
Not Your Mother's hair care line broadens reach

Not Your Mother's hair care line launched in 2010 in a few hundred Walmart stores as a test. Now, the brand is celebrating a successful first year with broadened distribution at retail.

TAMPA — Not Your Mother's hair care line launched in 2010 in a few hundred Walmart stores as a test. Now, the brand is celebrating a successful first year with broadened distribution at retail.

Following its test run at Walmart, the brand now is available in 1,500 Walmart locations. In March 2011, Ulta brought in the line to all of its nearly 400 locations. Also carrying the collection are several regional retailers, such as Lowes Foods, Schnucks, King Kullen, Hi-School Pharmacy, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, Dierbergs, Acme Fresh Markets and Bag n Save.

May 9, 2011
Hearing begins on Wal-Mart’s bid for Massmart

New York City -- Massmart Holdings Ltd. promised to add jobs if Wal-Mart Stores is allowed to buy a controlling stake in the South African wholesaler, CEO Grant Pattison. His remarks were made on Monday at a tribunal in Pretoria, South Africa, that will determine whether Wal-Mart will be able to go through with the deal.

May 5, 2011
Target withstands Walmart's aggressive pricing, assortment message

The 13.1% increase in same-store sales Target reported for April was toward the low end of the company’s projection of an increase in the mid-teens, and begs the question whether Walmart’s mid-month launch of a new marketing campaign contributed to the weakness.

MINNEAPOLIS — The 13.1% increase in same-store sales Target reported for April was toward the low end of the company’s projection of an increase in the mid-teens, and begs the question whether Walmart’s mid-month launch of a new marketing campaign contributed to the weakness.

May 2, 2011
Retailers step up to offer relief funds to tornado, flood victims

In the wake of the tornadoes and flooding that struck many southeastern states, several leading chains have stepped up to offer support for communities impacted by the tragedy, including CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix.

NEW YORK — In the wake of the tornadoes and flooding that struck many southeastern states, several leading chains have stepped up to offer support for communities impacted by the tragedy, including CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart,

April 29, 2011
Walmart pledges $1 million for tornado relief

Walmart announced that through its charitable arm, the Walmart Foundation, it is committing $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts following the recent Southern storms, Midwest floods and Texas wildfires.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that through its charitable arm, the Walmart Foundation, it is committing $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts following the recent Southern storms, Midwest floods and Texas wildfires.

April 25, 2011
Walmart gets back in on the action

Action Alley — branded feature displays and four-sided fixtures in the main aisles — marked its return to all Walmart stores this past holiday season, and signified Walmart’s return to promotional intensity.


April 25, 2011
WMT remains health, wellness stalwart

It has been a challenging few years for Walmart among ongoing sales difficulties, restructuring of senior leadership and the pursuit of a new, yet familiar, strategic direction. Despite all the turmoil and the constant media attention it received, Walmart’s health-and-wellness business unit remained a steady performer through 2010.


April 18, 2011
Walmart's social commerce gets 'Kosmix' intervention

Walmart announced that it has acquired the services of Kosmix, a Mountain View, Calif.-based company to grow its multichannel strategy.

BRISBANE, Calif. — Walmart announced that it has acquired the services of Kosmix, a Mountain View, Calif.-based company, to grow its multichannel strategy.

April 12, 2011
Walmart, Sears support troops with employment promises

Walmart and Sears Holdings have both announced their commitment to helping military members maintain employment when moving from one community to another.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. and HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Walmart and Sears Holdings have both announced their commitment to helping military members maintain employment when moving from one community to another.

The commitment is in line with the new Joining Forces initiative, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden to raise awareness around the challenges that military personnel and their spouses endure when moving from one community to another.

April 11, 2011
Former Walmart executive named head of 8th & Walton

A provider of retailer supplier education services has named a 31-year Walmart veteran as its president and CEO.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — A provider of retailer supplier education services has named a 31-year Walmart veteran as its president and CEO.

8th & Walton said Mike Cockrell, who most recently served as chief merchandising officer of Walmart's Indian joint venture with Bharti before his retirement in February, would lead the company's efforts to accelerate growth initiatives while enhancing existing services.

April 11, 2011
Mederma expands retail presence in Canada

Mederma Skin Care scars gel and Mederma stretch marks therapy now are available in Canada at such retailers as Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Walmart and Pharma Plus, according to Merz Pharma Canada.

TORONTO — Mederma Skin Care scars gel and Mederma stretch marks therapy now are available in Canada at such retailers as Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Walmart and Pharma Plus, according to Merz Pharma Canada.

Mederma scar gel and Mederma stretch marks therapy are formulated with cepalin, a proprietary botanical extract derived from onions.

Mederma scar gel is designed to improve the appearance of scars caused by burns, injuries, acne and surgery.

April 11, 2011
Walmart returns to form with pricing campaign

Walmart is looking to distinguish itself from the competition.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is looking to distinguish itself from the competition.

The retailer announced that it is reinvigorating its price leadership promise, bringing back products its customers have asked for and simplifying its ad match policy.

April 8, 2011
Target garners top spot as valuable brand

Target once again has taken the top spot as the retailer with the strongest consumer brand equity, according to the latest Harris poll.

NEW YORK — Target once again has taken the top spot as the retailer with the strongest consumer brand equity, according to the latest Harris poll.

This marked the second consecutive year Target has led the way in the "value retail" category, with an increasing gap noted between the company and runner-up Walmart, according to the "2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend" study. Target led the way with a ranking of 74.1, while Walmart had a ranking of 70.8. The industry average in the value retail category was 67.3.

April 6, 2011
Walmart reports increase in global giving

Walmart announced that, through the Walmart Foundation, it has donated $319 million in cash and $480 million in in-kind contributions around the globe during the fiscal year ended Jan. 31.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that, through the Walmart Foundation, it has donated $319 million in cash and $480 million in in-kind contributions around the globe during the fiscal year ended Jan. 31.

According to Walmart, the company's U.S. giving grew by 64%, largely due to donations of produce, meats, poultry and other nutritious food to local food banks from Walmart stores, Sam's Club locations and distribution centers.

April 1, 2011
Interbrand ranks top U.S. retail brands

Some of the nation's most popular retailers earned a spot on Interbrand's annual ranking of the 50 most valuable U.S. retail brands.

NEW YORK — Some of the nation's most popular retailers earned a spot on Interbrand's annual ranking of the 50 most valuable U.S. retail brands.

Walmart topped the list, with Target coming in the No. 2 spot, while CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens and Sam's Club respectively earned the fifth, sixth and seventh spots.

Other retailers on the list included Publix, Dollar General, Costco, Whole Foods and Family Dollar.

March 31, 2011
Healthcare exec joins Walmart

Dijuana Lewis was named SVP healthcare solutions at Walmart, the company announced Thursday. She will report to John Agwunobi, who serves as president of Walmart’s health-and-wellness business unit.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Dijuana Lewis was named SVP healthcare solutions at Walmart, the company announced Thursday. She will report to John Agwunobi, who serves as president of Walmart’s health-and-wellness business unit.

March 24, 2011
Walmart opens office in Atlanta for East Coast business unit

Walmart Stores said it will open a new office in Atlanta, positioning the retailer to more effectively manage nearly 1,600 stores in 20 Eastern U.S. states and focus on opportunities to grow its business in such states as New York.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart Stores said it will open a new office in Atlanta, positioning the retailer to more effectively manage nearly 1,600 stores in 20 Eastern U.S. states and focus on opportunities to grow its business in such states as New York.

The new Eastern business unit will be run by Rosalind Brewer, president of Walmart East and EVP Walmart U.S.

March 23, 2011
Top markets for retailers revealed

A new report released this week unveiled the top go-to markets for retailers that are looking to boost their national presence.

NEW YORK — A new report released this week unveiled the top go-to markets for retailers that are looking to boost their national presence.

In the ChainLinks/Terranomics' 2011 U.S. national retail report, the healthiest retail market in the nation was Washington, D.C., followed by San Francisco; New York; Boston; San Diego; San Jose/South Bay, Calif.; Baltimore; Philadelphia; Seattle and Pittsburgh.

March 23, 2011
Walmart shows commitment to seniors with Meals on Wheels donation

The Walmart Foundation has donated $5 million to Meals On Wheels Association of America to help fight senior hunger in communities across the nation.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Walmart Foundation has donated $5 million to the Meals On Wheels Association of America to help fight senior hunger in communities across the nation.

Through the grant, MOWAA will boost the efforts of senior nutrition programs, organizations that provide critical services to more than 6 million seniors in the United States currently facing the threat of hunger.

March 21, 2011
Survey: Majority of New Yorkers would shop at Walmart

Walmart's efforts to open in New York City were helped last week when a new poll, released Friday, found that New Yorkers would shop at Walmart if one opened in the city.

NEW YORK — Walmart's efforts to open in New York City were helped last week when a new poll, released Friday, found that New Yorkers would shop at Walmart if one opened in the city.

According to the Quinnipiac University poll, 68% of New Yorkers said that if it were convenient for them, they would shop at Walmart. That is compared with 29% who said they would not.

Nearly identical numbers of people said the chain's lower prices would eat into small business sales.

March 21, 2011
Walmart lends hand to Dress for Success

Walmart announced that it has donated $2 million to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that helps females get back into the work force by providing clothes, interview preparation and other tools needed to land a job. The announcement was made at the third annual Dress for Success day of service in New York.

NEW YORK — Walmart announced that it has donated $2 million to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that helps females get back into the work force by providing clothes, interview preparation and other tools needed to land a job. The announcement was made at the third annual Dress for Success day of service in New York.