Wal-Mart's faster, cleaner and friendlier approach to merchandising is clearly resonating with shoppers. On Thursday, it reported a 3.9% increase in same-store sales in May, much better than the 1.6%
percent gain that analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected.
Executives from different departments offered presentations on how different categories are embracing Wal-Mart's "save
money, live better" campaign begun a year ago. Dottie Mattison, svp and gm for apparel, says that the company is focusing on offering the lowest prices on such big brands as Hanes and Fruit of the
Loom. That means an emphasis on low prices while focusing on a more edited selection in an attractive selling environment.
Linda Hefner, evp of home furnishings, says that in certain
areas of the home department the company is emphasizing major brands, while in other areas it is stressing the retailer's own store labels.
She notes that prices are as much as 40% less than
competitors'. In the electronics department, stores are being remodeled to have a wall of high-definition televisions and a less cluttered look. Employees are also being trained to be more helpful.
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