Wal-Mart's Grocery Sales Outshone Other Categories in June

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said yesterday that its same-store sales in June rose 2.4 percent, excluding fuel sales, with grocery continuing to be stronger than general merchandise at the Wal-Mart Stores segment.

Total sales for the five weeks ended July 6 rose 9.4 percent, to $35.81 billion from $32.74 billion, with Wal-Mart Stores posting a 7.1 percent sales gain, to $22.94 billion. Same-store sales at the Wal-Mart Stores segment were up 1.6 percent.

"Consumers continue to be challenged financially, with more pressure on discretionary spending," said Eduardo Castro-Wright, Wal-Mart Stores U.S. president and c.e.o., in a statement. "Gas prices have moved to be their chief concern in our latest survey, and they appreciate the opportunity to save on everything.

"We have a single-minded focus on reducing prices on specific items throughout the year," added Castro-Wright. "We are committed to helping our consumers find lower prices by working with key suppliers, reducing packaging, and lowering distribution costs."

Sam's Club experienced continued momentum with sales to small-business owners, with positive trends in both business member ticket and traffic, Wal-Mart said. Category strengths were in food, including fresh items. Sales rose 9.6 percent, to $4.42 billion.

The company expects comparable-store sales for the July four-week reporting period to be between 1 percent and 2 percent, said Tom Schoewe, e.v.p. and c.f.o. The July four-week period runs from July 7 through Aug. 3.
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