Walmart

WALTHAM, Mass. -- A study released on Friday by Global Insight, an economic analysis firm based here, suggests that some claims from Wal-Mart's growing number of critics may be unfounded. The study, which analyzes the national and regional impact of the nation's largest retailer on the U.S. economy, was presented at a Wal-Mart-sponsored conference in Washington, D.C., along with papers written on this same topic from other sources.

CHICAGO --It looks like consumers are demanding even more robust convenience-based products than ever, with attributes such as better nutritional benefits, according to a study released yesterday by Information Resources, Inc. (IRI).

TOKYO -- Japanese supermarket chain operator Seiyu, Ltd., based here, said yesterday that Edward Kolodzieski, Wal-Mart International s.v.p. and c.o.o., would become Seiyu's president and c.e.o. on Dec. 15, pending approval at a shareholders' meeting scheduled for the same day, according to published reports.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart yesterday got the jump on its holiday promotional activities by unveiling its first such campaign to launch so early. In other significant holiday marketing firsts for the world's biggest retailer, the campaign features celebrities and will be integrated across all media channels and in-store signage.

WASHINGTON -- WakeUpWalMart.com, a union-led group of Wal-Mart critics that has become increasingly vocal in recent months, has taken its message a step further by launching a national advertising and multi-media campaign. The campaign will highlight a controversial corporate memo that WakeUpWalMart.com sent to The New York Times last week, and will also plug a new documentary that is critical of the retailer.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.--Wal-Mart Stores here said Saturday that same-store stores in October are expected to have grown 4.3 percent, topping its earlier guidance of 2 to 4 percent, thanks to stronger general merchandise sales.

WASHINGTON -- WakeUpWalMart.com, a union-led initiative to change Wal-Mart's employee relations practices, said Friday it was holding a series of public actions at Wal-Mart locations in 84 cities and 26 states as part of the "Nothing's Scarier than Not Having Health Care" campaign to help uninsured Wal-Mart workers.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Despite its efforts to craft a more positive public image, Wal-Mart here is the target of a new, critical documentary that will premiere next month nationwide at unconventional venues: religious institutions.