Friday, December 26, 2008

WalMart Launches Phase Three of $4 Prescription Program

While health care costs continue to be a top concern for consumers, WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is furthering its efforts to help customers save money by driving down prescription medication costs and providing ongoing savings through its pharmacy offerings.

Expected to save WalMart customers millions annually, today’s announcement is phase three of WalMart’s $4 Prescription Program, which now covers a 90-day prescription for $10, additional women’s health medications and a new $4 over-the-counter (OTC) offer. The 90-day option gives more choices to customers and physicians who may have been limited to mail order prescriptions in the past.

”More and more people find health care, and particularly prescribed medicines, difficult to afford. This is one of the reasons we continually work to take our $4 Prescription Program to the next level,” said Dr. John Agwunobi, WalMart senior vice president and president, health and wellness. “We’re succeeding in our efforts to deliver simple, affordable, quality pharmacy solutions for families struggling with the rising costs of health care. And, our customers – and their budgets – are seeing a dramatic difference.”

• Enhanced $4 Prescription Program – Beginning today, WalMart, Neighborhood Market and Sam’s Club pharmacies will fill prescriptions for up to 350 generic medications at $10 for a 90-day supply. This option will give customers an additional choice and save them time and money without the hassle of purchasing or signing-up for a pharmacy discount card.

• Additional women’s health medicines – Expanding on the women’s medicines added to Wal-Mart’s prescription program in September 2007, Alendronate , the recently introduced generic version of Fosamax® used to treat osteoporosis, is now available at Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Market and Sam’s Club pharmacies for $9 for up to a 30-day supply or $24 for a 90-day supply. Compared to the $54 that women previously paid for the same generic supply or $102 for the same branded supply, Wal-Mart could save osteoporosis patients between $45 and $93 per month or up to $1,116 per year. In addition, medications to treat breast cancer (tamoxifen), menopause and hormone deficiency (combination estrogen/methyltestosterone tablets) were also added to the growing list of $9 women’s medications. Combined, Wal-Mart estimates that this expansion alone will save women more than $100 million annually.

• New $4 OTC offering – WalMart Stores and Neighborhood Markets today began a new $4 OTC program, offering customers more than 1,000 OTC items priced at $4 or less without a prescription. WalMart has rolled back prices on key OTC items to ensure that almost one-third of its OTC medicines are now $4 or lower. Now, many commonly used OTC medicines such as the Equate-brand versions of popular drugs like Zantac®, Pepcid® and Claritin® are priced at $4, approximately 50 percent lower than many national chain drugstores and grocers based on Wal-Mart’s internal research.

Women’s health products like WalMart’s Spring Valley-branded prenatal vitamins were also lowered to $4 as part of the $4 OTC program now available at Wal-Mart Stores and Neighborhood Markets.

"There is no better time than Women's Health Month to strengthen our commitment to women by addressing some of their unique health care needs," said Linda Dillman, executive vice president for benefits and risk management for WalMart Stores, Inc. “By offering these medications at affordable prices, we are helping women make their health a top priority and live longer, healthier and happier lives."

"Access to affordable prescription medicines is vitally important to the health and well-being of Texans. I applaud Wal-Mart's efforts to make this a reality through their $4 Program," said Governor Rick Perry (Texas).

Up to 95 percent of the prescriptions written in the majority of therapeutic categories are included in the $4 Prescription Program available at Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Market and Sam’s Club pharmacies nationwide. The affordable prices for these prescriptions are available for commonly prescribed dosages for up to 30-days or 90-days.

Launched in Tampa, Florida in September 2006, Wal-Mart’s $4 Prescription Program quickly expanded to 49 states (WalMart does not operate in-store pharmacies in its North Dakota stores). WalMart has also introduced a similar discount program in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Brazil, bringing significant savings to customers in those markets. Today, the program is available at the more than 4,000 Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Neighborhood Market pharmacies throughout the United States and has saved Wal-Mart customers more than $1 billion since its inception ($1,163,726,502.08 as of April 28, 2008 – visit www.livebetterindex.com for a state-by-state breakdown of savings).

Certain drugs are priced higher than $4 (for up to 30-day supplies) and $10 (for 90-day supplies) in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Montana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their “brand-name” counterparts, but cost significantly less. Consumers interested in saving money through the program should ask their doctors if a generic is available for their prescription and is right for them.


Thursday, December 25, 2008

Wal-Mart International

"Economic conditions around the world continue to put pressure on consumers," said Mike Duke, vice chairman, Wal-Mart International. "While this is impacting our and other businesses, we are uniquely positioned by our stability and every day low price strategy to help customers in these difficult times. This is reflected in our sales results, on a constant currency basis."

In the October period, sales results were significantly impacted by the strengthening U.S. dollar. Results from each country are discussed on a constant currency basis, before any impact from exchange rates.

In a difficult economic environment in the United Kingdom, ASDA had another strong month as a result of increased customer count and ticket. Comparable store sales were strongest in grocery and clothing. In general merchandise, sales of Halloween merchandise were ahead of expectations.

Hypermarkets and the Maxxi cash-and-carry business led Wal-Mart Brazil to a mid single digit real comparable store sales increase. Pharmacy, electronics and computer sales performed well in October.

The supercentre expansion program, which added two more openings in Ontario, fueled high single digit sales growth at Wal-Mart Canada. Comparable store sales there were in the low single digits, as a result of increased average ticket and electronics and food sales.

Higher average ticket pushed Wal-Mart China comparable store sales to the mid single digits. Trust-Mart comparable store sales were in the low single digits, driven by increased customer count.

At Seiyu in Japan, comparable store sales were in the negative mid single digits. While food sales were down, certain food categories were up due to improved pricing and higher sales of Great Value brand items. Consumables increased in the mid single digits, driven by a continued shift to every day low pricing.

The economic slowdown continued to impact sales in Mexico, where nominal comparable store sales were 0.4 percent lower. The strongest performances came from Bodega Aurrera and Sam's Club, with continued weakness in the discretionary spending formats, Suburbia and Vips.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Wal-Mart Canada bumps "Boxing Day" deals up a week

The first time ever, Wal-Mart Canada stores nationwide are kicking off Boxing Day a week early with price reductions on the season's top gifts. Beginning today - and for 13 days straight until New Year's Eve - Wal-Mart Canada is offering savings on top electronics, toys, housewares and apparel.

Boxing Day is traditionally among the busiest shopping days of the year.
Customer research and economic trends suggest many Canadians are significantly more price conscious this year than in past - and may defer purchases until Boxing Day. Historically, popular Boxing Day purchases include electronics, toys and apparel. "We don't think Canadians should have to wait until Boxing Day to start their Christmas shopping or to save money," said Sylvain Prud'homme, Wal-Mart Canada's senior vice president of merchandise. "At an expensive time of year and in this economy, early Boxing Day deals are the best gift we could give
Canadians."

Wal-Mart Canada's pre-Boxing Day price reductions include:

- Wii Wireless White Guitar, $19.94
- Acer Dual Core 14.1" Laptop, $449.98
- iPod Touch, $227.97
- RCA 42" Full 1080P LCD HDTV, $797.77
- Magnavox Blu-ray Disc Player, $147.97
- Panasonic 1.2 cubic foot inverter microwave, $89.00
- George Foreman grill, $89.00
- 2.5 horsepower treadmill, $450.00
- Twin 180-thread count sheet sets, $6
- Penmans 5-pocket jeans, $10

"If you ask our one-million daily customers why they choose Wal-Mart, most will say they like the service and selection, but every single one will tell you they love the prices. More than any time and any year before, we think it's our time to shine for those customers and to help them save money,"
added Prud'homme.

Wal-Mart Canada's pre-Boxing Day event is supported by a four-page flyer. Customers can expect more price reductions for Boxing Day and Week. Until the end of December, customers can enjoy additional flexibility with 24-hour shopping at 192 of the company's 310 stores nationwide.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Wal-Mart Canada gives Canadians $35 for Christmas dinner for eight

WalMart Canada is aiming to put savings on Canadian tables this Christmas with hundreds of price reductions on food, in addition to its Everyday Low Prices. WalMart Canada's Super Center locations nationally are offering customers Rollback price reductions and
Everyday Low Prices so they can purchase all the items they need to prepare an eight-person Christmas turkey dinner for less than $35.


In addition to gifts, groceries make up a large part of shoppers' budgets over the holidays. Despite the current economic worries, customer research indicates that Canadians are still determined to celebrate the holidays with friends, family and good food. With significantly more total Rollbacks over this time last year, WalMart Canada is having a record year in its number of price reductions. "We plan to keep helping Canadians stretch their holiday
dollars with price reductions that make a real difference to their wallets," said Les Mann, WalMart Canada's vice president of food. "Whether customers are cooking a turkey with all the trimmings, baking or entertaining this holiday, WalMart Canada aims to provide Canadians with the food and Christmas dinner they want this holiday without the financial worry."

Shoppers at WalMart Canada's 43 Super Center locations nationally can purchase the following items for a Christmas turkey dinner for eight for less than $35(*):

<< - 10lb bag of potatoes - 4 cans of Green Giant canned vegetables (selected varieties) - 2 boxes of Stove top stuffing mix - Frozen Grade A 8lb turkey - 1 can of Campbell's turkey gravy - 2 cans of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce - 1 package of Pillsbury crescent rolls - 10" apple pie - 2 bottles of Perrier

(*)Prices effective until December 24. Prices in some markets may vary.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Salvation Army and Wal-Mart Canada Partner

Wal-Mart Canada will host The Salvation Army's first ever National Kettle Launch at various stores across the country, marking the beginning of The Salvation Army's 2008 Christmas Campaign.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. local time, The Salvation Army and Wal-Mart associates will ring the bells and invite customers to support the annual campaign, which
will run from mid-November until Christmas Eve in hundreds of its stores nationwide.

In 2007, Wal-Mart stores became the single largest fund raising venue for The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign.


For over 100 years, the kettles have been, and continue to be, an efficient method of raising funds to support the community and social work of
The Salvation Army. Funds raised during this time will be used to combat poverty in communities across Canada at Christmas and throughout the year.

Nearly five million Canadians, including more than one million children, live in poverty today. Poverty remains the root of many of the social service problems
The Salvation Army sees every day and in these uncertain economic times that need is likely to increase.


"We are extremely grateful for the generous support provided by Wal-Mart Canada," says Commissioner William W, Francis, Territorial Commander of The
Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda.
"Last year, on top of a cash donation from Wal-Mart Canada of $100,000, over $1.3 million was raised at Wal-Mart stores
alone and given the added economic burdens many will be facing this year, we are hopeful that goal will be surpassed."
"Wal-Mart Canada is proud to partner with The Salvation Army and to help raise funds to aid more than 1.5 million Canadians in need," said Lina Di
Diodato, manager of community involvement for Wal-Mart Canada. "We expect this year's kettle campaign will be our best ever, and supported by other in-store
events including Angel Tree and Adopt-a-Family initiatives."
The annual Christmas campaign, which raised more than $23 million in 2007, has grown into one of Canada's most significant and recognizable annual
charitable events.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began
its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest
non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The
Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday
in 400 communities across Canada and 115 countries around the world. The
Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often
tending to the basic necessities of life, provide shelter for homeless people
and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an
addiction.

About WalMart Store Canada:

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company operates a growing
network of 310 outlets and one of the strongest community involvement programs
in Canada. Wal-Mart gives back to local communities in ways that matter most
to its customers and associates. In 2007, the company raised and donated more
than $19 million or $365,000 weekly, to charities and organizations in need.

Walmart Store in Canada Awarded Best Employer for 50 years old Canadians

For the second year in a row, WalMart Canada has been listed among the best employers for Canadians aged 50 and above, as identified by the Workplace Institute and judged by an independent panel of professionals specializing in mature workforce issues. As the only retailer on the list, WalMart Canada was recognized for its innovative approaches to retirement, management practices and attracting and retaining mature workers.

In 2008, WalMart Canada introduced progressive retirement services, a program to help the company effectively retain and recruit more experienced workers with work-life flexibility options. The program allows retirees to return to work as consultants, special project managers or mentors to continue to be engaged and support the business. For the growing number of aging Canadians looking for extra income or activity, WalMart also offers many in-store positions including, but not limited to, the popular people greeter position.

"In a climate of labor shortages nationwide, aging population growth and the expansion of our company, we see the value of mature employees," said Karen Casey, senior vice president, people division for WalMart Store of Canada. "

Our corporate culture embraces the needs of older workers and capitalizes on their
capabilities making WalMart Store a favorite place to work for 50-Plus Canadians."

"The fact that Wal-Mart Canada is a repeat winner of the Best Employer for 50-Plus Canadians illustrates Wal-Mart's commitment to its diverse workforce," said Workplace Institute's Barbara Jaworski, founder of the awards and author of KAA-BOOM! How to Engage the 50-Plus Worker and Beat the Workforce Crisis. "Wal-Mart's engagement model has helped make the company a place for talent for Canadians of all ages."


What people think about Wal-Mart Canada

Wal-Mart Canada serves more than one million Canadians each day at its 310
outlets. With more than 77,000 associates, the company is one of Canada's
largest employers.

Fast Facts

- Wal-Mart employs more than 77,000 associates in 310 outlets nationwide
making the company Canada's fourth largest employer

- Wal-Mart Canada's business model is based on being Canada's favourite
place to work.

- The Wal-Mart Canada Diversity Council was established to create a
culture of inclusion that encourages the unique qualities of each
associate and celebrates how individual differences bring value to
customers and the workplace.

- The Wal-Mart Canada Progressive Retirement Services project develops
work-life flexibility options aimed at taking care of our associates
and business needs. This work-life flexibility will enable the company
to effectively retain and recruit more experienced workers.

- Approximately, 25 per cent of Wal-Mart Canada's workforce is over the
age of 50.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Wal-Mart Canada reduce their prices in Christmas categories

Wal-Mart Canada Stores nationwide have reduced thousands of prices on items like toys, electronics, housewares and small appliances, to help Canadians celebrate the holidays.

The company announced today plans for thousands of additional Rollback price reductions in these categories, reducing hundreds of prices each week leading to Christmas.


With significantly more Rollbacks across the entire store than this time last year, Wal-Mart Canada is having a record year for price reductions and anticipates it will save Canadians millions of dollars by year-end.

A Maritz Research survey, released today, found that Wal-Mart Canada is the number-one choice of Canadians for holiday shopping this year. According to the survey, sales and special holiday pricing were a primary driver for Canadians in determining where they shop.

"Our starting point is a commitment to the best prices in the market, but Canadians need our even lower prices now more than ever," said Sylvain Prud'homme, Wal-Mart Canada's senior vice president of merchandise. "This is our best year for price reductions and we're just hitting our stride."

Sales data and research indicate that despite economic concerns,
customers are determined to give their families a nice Christmas. They are shopping on the basis of price, comparing pricing between stores and are more concerned with sticking to a set budget. Research also indicates that customers plan to shop earlier than in the past to better manage their spending.

"Customers are feeling financially pinched and we're responding with
record-low pricing so that customers can have what they need and want this holiday season." "Our sales data shows that customers are still intent on celebrating Christmas and we're ready to provide savings that matter around the home and under the tree."

From toys to electronics, examples of Rollbacks include:

Toys: The toy department has hundreds of Rollbacks and has introduced nearly 15 per cent more price reductions than this time last year. The Power Wheels AT-Rex motorized ATV is $199.93 (was $399.93).

The Baby Alive Potty Doll is $49.94 (was $58.94).

Electronics: Electronics has hundreds of Rollbacks and has introduced nearly 15 per cent more price reductions than this time last year.

The Samsung
40" LCD HDTV is $797.63 (was $997.63). The Venturer DVD Home Theatre is $57.77 (was $79.97).

Housewares: Housewares has hundreds of Rollbacks and has introduced nearly 25 per cent more price reductions than this time last year.

The Rachel Ray 10-piece stainless steel cookware set is $149.93 (was $199.97).

The J.A. Henckels 6-piece knife block set is $47.77 (was $79.97).


Small Appliances: Small appliances has hundreds of Rollbacks and has
introduced nearly 40 per cent more price reductions than this time last year.

The Kitchen Aid stand mixer is $219.88 (was $279.96). The Black & Decker 12-cup coffee maker is $39.88 (was $59.97).