• Reuters, Thursday, August 9, 2007 12 PM

Wal-Mart is launching a "Roommate Style Match" group on the Facebook social networking site in the hopes of grabbing a larger chunk of back-to-college shopping market. Facebook users who join the group can take a quiz to determine their decorating style and get a list of "recommended products" they can buy at Wal-Mart to mesh their style with their roommate's.

Students can also download a shopping list of dorm room items sold at Wal-Mart, link to Wal-Mart's Web site promoting "earth-friendly" products, or click on Soundcheck, Wal-Mart's Web site showing musical performances by singers Bon Jovi and Mandy Moore.

According to a study conducted last year by the National Retail Federation, the average first-year college student spent $1,112.62, mainly on electronics and home furnishings. Mike Murphy, vice president of media sales at Facebook, says his company has 34 million active users, and approximately 40% are in college.

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