Walmart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Suggesting that size does indeed matter in trying times, global giant Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said yesterday it had a record third quarter in sales and earnings despite the effects of hurricanes, the rising price of gasoline, and expenses related to product warranty programs. Later in the day, a leaked internal memo suggested that Wal-Mart plans to open or expand 484 stores across the United States next year, over 100 more than previously disclosed.

Progressive Grocer asked a panel of experts to assess the current state of category management and suggest how it could be improved. Their answers point the way to the next step in the practice's evolution.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart is now accepting Debitman retailer-issued debit cards at checkout in all Wal-Mart and Sam's Club locations, Chico, Calif.-based Debitman said yesterday.

Roche Bros. and Wade's Market each turned to Imperial Distributors to revitalize their nonfoods departments -- to great results.

Wilmington, Del. -- Wal-Mart and the Produce For Better Health Foundation (PBH) based here are setting the stage for millions of shoppers to Go Wild With Fruits and Vegetables during a one-day retailtainment event featuring characters from DreamWorks' "Madagascar" film being released in video form next week.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- There's new life for an old airport runway and vegetable oil used to fry chicken, at Wal-Mart's new experimental store in Aurora, Colo., the second of the retailer's test concept.

MONTROVIA, Calif. -- Trader Joe's, the quirky limited assortment food retailer based here, is reportedly scouting for future sites in metro Atlanta, which would be the southernmost market yet for the chain.

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.