Walmart

NEW YORK - Supermarket stocks dropped the farthest in an all-out plummet of retail stocks last week, and forecasts call for an even broader market decline, according to a report from CBS MarketWatch.

The chain writes a new song of the South, dancing to a traditional retail tune that plays more to fried chicken lovers than sushi eaters.

TROY, Mich. - For the first time, Kmart Corporation will publish its weekly advertising circular in Spanish throughout the U.S. The company said it aims to reach hundreds of thousands of Spanish-speaking customers who shop Kmart stores.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - While the unpredictable economy has put a standstill on hiring at many companies, retail giant Wal-Mart has said it intends to add 800,000 global new hires over the next five years, USA Today reports.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said today that Tom Grimm has retired as president and chief executive of its Sam's Club division. He will be replaced by Kevin Turner, who most recently served as Wal-Mart's CIO.

YAKIMA, Wash. - Four supermarkets operating in Yakima, Wash., are bracing for a possible strike after asking workers to have their benefits scaled back in order to better compete with the nonunion Wal-Mart, which is expanding in Central Washington, the Yakima Herald Republic reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reportedly is looking for land in the Tampa Bay area for its stand-alone Neighborhood Market grocery stores, the Tampa Tribune reports.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - In five years, Wal-Mart could be twice as big as it is today if it increases its market share in major categories such as food and apparel and newer areas such as gasoline, predicts global consulting and market research firm Retail Forward.