Wal-Mart Stores Inc, said its October U.S. same-store sales climbed 0.4
percent. Wal-Mart Stores results were flat, while Sam's Club same-store
sales increased 2.7 percent.
Total sales for the four-week period ended Nov. 2 grew 8.4 percent to
$27.92 billion. Wal-Mart Stores sales gained 5 percent to $17.44
billion, while Sam's Club sales rose 5.3 percent to $3.3 billion.
International sales soared 19.2 percent to $7.19 billion.
Wal-Mart Stores
Continued price leadership initiatives drove strong comparable store
sales in grocery and pharmacy during the October four-week period.
Halloween sales were solid across all departments. Customers responded
to the integrated marketing programs, in-store product presentations
and consistent communications about Halloween product offerings.
Seasonal categories related to cold weather including those in apparel,
home and hardlines were soft.
Wal-Mart U.S. has a healthy inventory position going into the holiday
season, and markdowns as a percentage of sales were lower than plan for
the third quarter.
As part of the commitment to saving people money, Wal-Mart kicked off
the Christmas season this year with “black Friday” prices on five top
gift ideas. Similar promotional activities will continue into December.
Sam's Club
Sam's Club sales for the October period included strengths in fresh
food, grocery, video games and office supplies. Halloween seasonal
performance was an additional positive for the period. Increases in
average ticket and small business traffic drove comparable club sales
performance. In addition to fuel, price inflation in dairy products
continues to be a factor.
The clubs have now transitioned into holiday gift giving, entertaining
and decor, with the Sam's Club holiday gifts catalog reaching many
members during the last week of October.
International
During the October period, the Company's operations in the United
Kingdom, Brazil and China continued their recent positive performance.
Sales throughout Brazil continue to be driven by a stronger price
position, in-stock improvement and a recovery of disposable income.
Macroeconomic factors contributed to a continued slowdown in sales in
Mexico.
Net Sales
4 Weeks Ended Percent 39 Weeks Ended Percent
11/2/2007 11/3/2006 Change 11/2/2007 11/3/2006 Change
Wal-Mart Stores $17.438 $16.602 5.0% $172.182 $162.212 6.1%
Sam's Club 3.296 3.129 5.3% 32.540 30.466 6.8%
International 7.186 6.029 19.2% 65.091 55.666 16.9%
Total Company $27.920 $25.760 8.4% $269.813 $248.344 8.6%
Four Weeks Comparable Store Sales
Without Fuel With Fuel Fuel Impact
11/2/2007 11/3/2006 11/2/2007 11/3/2006 11/2/2007 11/3/2006
Wal-Mart Stores 0.0% -0.3% 0.0% -0.3% 0.0% 0.0%
Sam's Club 2.7% 1.6% 4.2% -0.4% 1.5% -2.0%
Total U.S. 0.4% -0.1% 0.7% -0.4% 0.3% -0.3%