Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Walmart News: Walmart Confirms Smaller Stores, After Chicago Win, Will Wal-Mart Look to New York?

After Chicago Win, Will Wal-Mart Look to New York?
Wal-Mart won the right to open two more stores in Chicago this year, but does that man the world's largest retailer can eventually take Manhattan?


Wal-Mart Confirms Smaller Stores
The retailer confirmed that it will open medium- and smaller-sized stores beginning next year in urban areas and small towns. 


Wal-Mart to End Employee Profit-Sharing in February
Wal-Mart plans to end profit-sharing contributions in February, replacing them by matching some of the dollars employees put in their 401(k) retirement plans to pare expenses. Meanwhile, they're expecting "positive" 4Q sales.


Union Opposes Wal-Mart Expansion
A Rep of UFCW Local 152 said the union will raise objections to the company's proposed 40,000-square foot addition plans to add a full grocery component, including produce, deli and bakery sections, and keep the store open 24 hours. 

Massmart Meets Unions on Walmart Offer
Massmart executives have contacted labor unions regarding the offer by global retail giant Wal-Mart to purchase the local company for R30billion. 


Wal-Mart To Boost Buying From Local Farms
Wal-Mart is planning to double the sales of fresh produce it sources from local farms in its U.S. stores by the end of 2015. 


Daily Finance: 5 Fun Facts On Wal-Mart
The Top-line numbers don't convey just how massive Wal-Mart really is. To further understand this retail giant, here are some fun facts that help illustrate its heft...


Holiday Wish: Better Sales
Although the world's largest retailer has been losing sales to its competitors this year, they expect sales to improve in the critical holiday shopping season. "We expect positive sales results in the fourth quarter"- Mike Duke, Wal-Mart's CEO


New Baltimore Walmart Plans Anger Some
"We've looked at all the impacts of big box retailers around the country on urban communities, and we're not happy with what we learned,"- Betty Robinson of Baltimore

Groups Sue to Block Rohnert Park Wal- Mart Expansion
Sonoma County, CA-- The County Conservation Action argue that the council's decision effectively violated the land use policies outlined in the city's general plan, which calls for encouraging supermarkets to be "close to where people live". 

Colonie Rejects Super Walmart Plan
Latham, NY-- The board voted unanimously against the proposed 184,000- square-foot store during a public meeting that stretched into the early morning hours of Sept. 15.

Wal-Mart to Split Merchandising Responsibilities Among 4 Executives
The decision, which may not be permanent, raises some uncertainty about how the world's largest retailer will shape its merchandising  strategy. 

Wal-Mart Remodeling Many Wholesale Clubs
The remodeling is to better compete with rivals such as Costco. The new look includes wider aisles and lower shelves to offer a more expansive view of the store.

Walmart to Become Supercenter in Whitehall
Whitehall, PA-- Officials approve plans to tear down Sam's Club to make way for 180,000-square-foot general merchandise and grocery store with drive-through pharmacy and garden center. 

Wal-Mart Retailers Must Face Organic Milk Lawsuit
A federal appeals court reinstated a nationwide lawsuit accusing Wal-Mart Stores, Target and other major retailers of misleading consumers in the marketing of organic milk. 


Wal-Mart Sets Sights on San Francisco
As a part of its new "urban strategy," the world's largest retailer is looking to open two dozen stores in the Bay Area