Walmart

New York City -- A report issued Thursday by Experian Marketing Services found that online traffic to the top 500 retail sites on Christmas Day 2012 rose 27% compared to 2011.

The top retail sites received more than 115.5 million total U.S. visits, according to Experian. To date the holiday online traffic for the past 7 weeks to retail sites are up 10% for 2012 vs. 2011.

Other report key findings include:
    

Some are merchants, with long careers in brick-and-mortar stores. Others are tech trailblazers, using new media to match merchandise and buyers. Others are influencing retail in less direct, but no less significant, ways. All share an ability to create new opportunities and, in their own way, are looking to reinvent the shopping experience. And all wield a great deal of influence in today’s complex retail landscape.

El Dorado, Ark. -- Murphy Oil USA announced Wednesday it has entered into an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for 200 new fuel stations in the midwestern and southeastern U.S.

According to the agreement, Murphy Oil will build more than 200 new fuel stations at existing Wal-Mart Super Centers over the next three years.

Steven Cosse, president and CEO, Murphy Oil Corp., said the agreement with Wal-Mart is a significant step forward for the pair’s long-term relationship.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., president and CEO Mike Duke claims to love working for a company where success and size have resulted in high expectations, but that love affair may be ending in 2013.

Walmart on Friday wrapped up its 12 Days of Giving campaign with a $70,000 donation of warm clothing to 14 non-profits groups.

One of the organizations selected to receive a donation, the Assistance League of Yuma, serves its community by using proceeds from their thrift store to provide clothing, shoes, hats and more to children in need.　Operation School Bell allows the organization to bring groups of students from rural schools twice a year to get clothing.

Online sales have continue to break new records this holiday season even though traffic to top retail sites during November was down compared to the same month the prior year.

Karen Roberts was named EVP and general counsel for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. on Thursday amid the retailer’s ongoing investigation in possible violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Roberts, 42, is a 17 year Walmart veteran who most recently served as EVP and president of Walmart Realty for Walmart U.S.. However, prior to that, she held the position of SVP and chief compliance officer for Walmart U.S. where she oversaw the establishment of food and product safety programs and a recycling program.

Walmart’s ongoing investigation into bribery allegations was thrust into the spotlight again this week after the New York Times published results of its own investigation.