Thursday, December 15, 2011

Walmart Announces Generic Lipitor® (Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets)

Walmart (NYSE: WMT) announced today the availability of atorvastatin calcium tablets in all Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies immediately for patients with valid prescriptions. The all-new generic substitute of the brand name drug better known as Lipitor® provides a more affordable medication option for the millions of Americans who need to lower their cholesterol due to heart disease or are at risk for developing heart disease. Walmart is one of the first retailers to offer the authorized generic version of Lipitor, allowing Americans to get the same quality, effective drug for a lesser price.

Walmart Offers its Lowest Prices of the Season during the "BIG Christmas Event" on Dec. 17

Christmas is almost here! Are you ready? According to the National Retail Federation, as of the second week in December, the average person has completed only 46.5 percent of their shopping1. That’s why Walmart is holding the “BIG Christmas Event” geared specifically to the millions of last-minute shoppers.
Starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, Walmart’s “BIG Christmas Event” will offer its lowest prices of the season on toys, games, electronics, bikes and more. In addition, Walmart.com is giving customers an extra day to shop by extending its shipping deadlines. Walmart’s holiday shipping options not only ensure gifts arrive in time for Christmas, but have also saved customers approximately $36 million in shipping fees.
“Our customers are telling us there’s still a lot of shopping to do before Christmas,” said Duncan MacNaughton, chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S. “Moms are feeling stressed to ‘get it right’ and not forget anything, so we’re excited to give them another great day of savings to help them purchase gifts, stocking stuffers and the holiday meal at our lowest prices of the season.”

“No matter how late in the game you start your holiday shopping, we guarantee the best price,” said MacNaughton. “In addition to offering our lowest prices, if customers find a lower price in a local competitor’s ad for the same product – even after the purchase – Walmart will refund the difference with a Walmart gift card – that is our Christmas Price Guarantee.”
Extended Standard Shipping Deadline plus Free Shipping on Hundreds of Thousands of Items
Customers can now order products online until 11:30 p.m. PT on Dec. 20 and receive standard shipping to home with delivery in time for Christmas. Rush shipping to home is also available until 11:30 p.m. PT on Dec. 21.

There’s Still Plenty of Time to Shop and Save! Most Walmart stores are open 24 hours and many of those that do not offer 24-hour service will have extended shopping hours for the holiday season.
Holiday hours and shipping options include:
  • All locations close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve)
  • All locations are closed on Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), with 24-hour locations reopening on Dec. 26 at 6 a.m. and other locations reopening at regularly scheduled

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Walmart Foundation Grant to Help Connect 1,000 Veterans to Green Job Opportunities

nitiative builds on the Walmart Foundation’s $20 Million Commitment to Support Veterans Jobs
Belleville, IL, Nov. 9, 2011– The Walmart Foundation today announced a two-year $750,000 grant to Veterans Green Jobs. With this funding, Veterans Green Jobs will connect with 1,000 veterans through its training and employment initiatives and place many of those veterans into full-time green sector jobs. This is the latest commitment under the Walmart Foundation’s recently announced five-year, $20 million giving initiative aimed at combating the high veteran unemployment rate.

The grant was announced during a “Hiring our Heroes” veterans job fair in Belleville, Illinois, one of 100 job fairs Walmart has sponsored through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for recently returned veterans is 12 percent.
“The idea that our nation’s heroes are being forced to transition from the frontlines to the unemployment line is one of the worst realities we can imagine,” said retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Gary Profit, senior director of military programs at Walmart. “Through Walmart’s support of Veterans Green Jobs, our partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other outreach, we’re doing our part to ensure our veterans have the support they need and the career opportunities they deserve.”
“Walmart is at the forefront of Fortune 500 companies hiring returning veterans and assisting organizations in reversing the high rates of joblessness among our veteran population,” said Dr. Mit Parsons, Veterans Green Jobs’ co-founder and board chairman, and a U.S. Army veteran. “Veterans Green Jobs is thankful for the partnership we have forged with Walmart in leveraging career opportunities that are focused on environmental sustainability. We share with this strategic partner a commitment to making veteran employment happen with ‘boots on the ground’ – one veteran at a time.”
Since 2009, Walmart has donated more than $1 million to Veterans Green Jobs, resulting in training and jobs for more than 350 veterans.

Pharmacy Services and Savings Programs at Walmart

Save time and money with walmart services and savings programs that are available online and in many of Walmart Stores. The Clinic at Walmart provides basic health care services, such as exams, preventive care and immunizations, at select Walmart stores nationwide. Its Specialty Pharmacy offers special services, medications and supplies for both complex and chronic conditions. Savings programs include the Walmart Pharmacy $4 Prescription Program, which lets you choose from hundreds of generic drugs and over-the-counter medications for just $4 for a 30-day supply, or $10 for a 90-day supply. You can also save with free shipping right to your door from the Walmart Pharmacy. For even more convenience, you can rely on wlmart $4 Prescription Finder, On-the-Go Pharmacy with Mobile for refills and order status, and Walmart Drug Information Finder to discover helpful information about your prescription medications. So take advantage of all the pharmacy services and savings programs at Walmart to save money and live better.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Walmart to Offer Special Layaway Option this Christmas

To help families deliver a big Christmas this year, Walmart announced today that it will offer a Christmas layaway program for two of the season’s most popular gift categories, electronics and toys. Available at all stores nationwide, the program will kick off on Oct. 17 and run through Dec. 16, with plenty of time for the gifts to take their rightful place under the Christmas tree.

Walmart announced the news to its nearly 9 million Facebook fans, many whom have expressed their desire for Walmart’s layaway service. Customers have indicated that they are most interested in layaway for toys and electronics, and that during the holidays is when they need layaway the most.

“We’re always looking for ways to ease budget strain for our customers, and we know this holiday season in particular brings with it additional financial pressure,” said Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising officer, Walmart. “Our layaway program for Christmas, along with our every day low prices and great variety of gifts, will provide a worry-free way for our customers to fulfill their families’ Christmas wish lists.”

Walmart’s Christmas layaway program will enable customers to make payments when they want and for how much they want on the hottest Christmas gifts. Toy and electronic gifts with a retail price of $15 or more will be eligible*, including dozens of toys on Rollback to $15 starting Sept. 12, such as Leapfrog Scribble and Write, Disney Princess Toddler Dolls, Transformers 3 Mechtech and select Lego playsets. Other great gifts at an every day low price included in the Christmas layaway program are bicycles, HDTVs, and video games.

“Our customers told us they want a hassle-free layaway option during the holiday season,” said Mac Naughton. “With our Christmas layaway program, they can focus on what’s important to them during the Christmas season instead of stressing over mandated payments or how to tuck money away for gifts.”

Layaway payments can be made at any register. Putting an item on layaway and picking up layaway orders is done at the Walmart.com counter in the majority of stores. Pick up hours are 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. local time. Layaway orders and pick up will not be accepted on the day after Thanksgiving.

New Walmart Neighborhood Market Opens in Midwest City

A new Walmart Neighborhood Market will open in Midwest City Sept. 21, with a 40,000 square-foot store designed to offer quick access to low-cost groceries, prescriptions and household products. Doors to the new store will open at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21, following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Fresh Foods and Familiar Brands

Designed as a convenient family shopping center, the Walmart Neighborhood Market will provide the local community another destination for groceries at the Walmart value price. The store will carry a full line of groceries, including fresh produce, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, and organic items. For those on the go, the deli offers hot rotisserie chicken and freshly prepared foods. Customers can pick up cakes and freshly-made bread in the bakery. This store is also adding a gluten-free section.

“With our smaller format, our store is perfect for those on the go. Whether they’re stocking up or need to pick up just a few items, our customers will be able to find what they need quickly and easily,” said store manager Paul Engelken. “Our customers will be able to find familiar brands and local products at great values, right in their own neighborhood.”

Shoppers will also appreciate the convenience of the store’s pharmacy with a drive-up lane, along with a full selection of health-related products and a health and beauty area. Additional areas include stationery, paper goods, pet products and hardware items. Customers can also print their own digital photos at the store. The store will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Store Provides 85 Local Jobs

The Walmart Neighborhood Market plans to employ approximately 85 associates. “Walmart provides job opportunities and career choices for everyone from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people wanting to gain work experience,” Engelken said. Like most Walmart store managers, he started his career with Walmart as an hourly associate. He joined the company in 2000 as a meat cutter at a store in Edmond.

Community Organizations Benefit from Grants

As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $14,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented throughout the year.

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration, 7:30 a.m., Sept. 21

Executive Director of Chamber of Commerce Bonnie Cheatwood, along with other community and business leaders, will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21, for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Humana Walmart-Preferred RX Plan (PDP)

Humana and Walmart Announce Innovative Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan with Lowest National Monthly Premium Offered in all 50 States and D.C.

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced an innovative Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, co-branded with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) or (“Walmart”), that can provide significant savings on monthly plan premiums and prescription medicine copayments and cost-shares for Medicare beneficiaries, including seniors and people with disabilities.

How to Enroll in the Plan: Call, Click or Go

Information on the plan is available starting today; annual enrollment for Medicare plans begins Monday, Nov. 15, 2010, and continues through Dec. 31, 2010. To get more information on the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP) and to learn more about these savings:

* Call Humana to enroll at 1-800-899-0441. For TTY, call 711, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
* Click on humana-medicare.com or medicare.gov to enroll.
* Click on walmart.com/rxplan or samsclub.com/rxplan for additional plan details and links to enroll.
* Visit a Walmart store to speak to a Humana representative.
* Informational kiosks, including many staffed by Humana representatives, are available in approximately 3,000 Walmart stores across the country. Medicare beneficiaries can click on “Find a Location Near You” at walmart.com/rxplan to locate an on-site Humana representative.

Walmart to Webcast Annual Meeting of Shareholders' and Management Update for the Investment Community

WalMart Stores, will webcast its Annual Meeting of Shareholders' Friday, June 3, 2011, as well as its question and answer session with executive management for the investment community.

The shareholders meeting, including pre-meeting activities, will begin at 7:00 a.m. CDT and will conclude at approximately 11:00 a.m. CDT. The executive briefings to analysts and investors, and the question and answer session will begin at 1:15 p.m. CDT and will conclude at approximately 3:30 p.m. CDT. The line-up of executives will be:

* Mike Duke, president and chief executive officer, WalMart Stores, Inc.
* Charles Holley, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Walmart Stores Inc.
* Bill Simon, president and chief executive officer, Walmart U.S.
* Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer, Walmart International
* Brian Cornell, president and chief executive officer, Sam's Club
* Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman, responsible for Global e Commerce and Global Sourcing

The briefings to analysts and investors web cast will be archived on the company's website for one year.

Walmart Global eCommerce Announces Investment in Yihaodian, a Fast-Growing eCommerce Business in China

WalMart Stores, announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire a minority stake in the holding company of Yihaodian, a fast-growing eCommerce company in China. The transaction is expected to close within 60 days.

Launched in July 2008, Yihaodian offers more than 75,000 SKUs and has achieved a significant position in online grocery sales, as well as in categories such as baby/Mom, consumer electronics and apparel. With 2,000 employees and an existing logistics network based in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, Yihaodian is serving a growing customer base with next-day delivery of essential daily items at competitive prices.

Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and CEO of Walmart Global eCommerce and Global Sourcing, said, “We are excited about this investment. Online sales in China are growing rapidly and are projected to match U.S. online sales in the next few years. By investing in Yihaodian, we’re continuing to establish a presence in this important eCommerce market, and are moving forward on fulfilling our aspiration of being the leading global multichannel retailer.”

Wan Ling Martello, executive vice president, Global eCommerce, Emerging Markets, said “We are very impressed with Yihaodian’s strong management team, solid competence in distribution and outstanding service to their customers. We have been equally impressed by the fact that their values are consistent with ours. We very much look forward to working closely with them going forward.”

Gang Yu, co-founder chairman of Yihaodian, said, “We are very excited about Walmart’s investment in Yihaodian. Walmart brings its global vision into our business. In addition, its supply chain excellence will help us gain a competitive edge in the eCommerce industry in China.”

Junling Liu, co-founder and CEO of Yihaodian, said, “We are thrilled that Walmart has chosen to invest in Yihaodian. Walmart brings tremendous knowhow and best practices in retail that will help us to better serve our customers in China. We are well on our way to creating a modern lifestyle for our customers. ”