Walmart

The 7% same-store sales increase Target reported in February was achieved with only a slight bump in promotional activity, according to the latest monthly data from research firm Market Track. Conversely, the number of ad pages that such competitors as Walmart and Kmart ran increased at twice the rate as Target, while Kohl’s and Macy’s declined. To view Market Track’s recap of February promotional activity at Target and other top retailers, click here.

LOS ANGELES — Movie lovers can now access their favorite DVDs/Blu-ray films on their Internet-connected devices, thanks to a new program from Walmart and its streaming video service, Vudu. 

Although Walmart International has completed three acquisitions during the past 12 months, it is actually the least preferred method of growth, according to international division CFO Cathy Smith. Just imagine if acquisitions were the top priority.

Smith’s comments about acquisitions came earlier this week at a Raymond James and Associates investor conference where she appeared with treasurer Jeff Davis and detailed four dimensions of Walmart’s international growth strategy.

Overall, February witnessed a year-over-year decline in total flyer circulation per market as well as pages per market. Conversely, the biggest change in this month was witnessed by Walmart, which saw a considerable jump in flyer circulation as well as the number of pages. This dramatic increase of 122% increase in flyer drop was mainly due to the two extra flyers dropped in the second and fourth week of February this year unlike the previous year.

Johannesburg, South Africa -- A South African regulatory body gave Wal-Mart permission on Friday to move ahead with its $2.2 billion purchase of South African chain Massmart.

The Competition Appeal Court upheld a ruling last year by the Competition Tribunal, but did require a study to determine a path to protect small producers who might not be able to compete with foreign producers from whom Wal-Mart can import cheaper goods.

It seems like forever ago that Walmart stopped reporting monthly sales and providing regular guidance updates, which is why one comment by Walmart CFO Charles Holley stood out above all the others he made this week at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Consumer & Retail Conference.

The Turkish sourcing division behind the success of the George brand for the past decade has been acquired by Walmart’s Asda unit, the company announced this week.

According to Asda, it intends to acquire the Istanbul, Turkey-based GAAT sourcing division of Türkmen Group. GAAT works with more than 80 manufacturers to manage garment production on behalf of the George business in such key locations as Turkey, Sri Lanka and Egypt, according to an Asda press release.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — A South African regulatory body gave Wal-Mart Stores permission on Friday to move ahead with its $2.2 billion purchase of South African chain Massmart.

The Competition Appeal Court upheld a ruling last year by the Competition Tribunal, but did require a study to determine a path to protect small producers who might not be able to compete with foreign producers from whom Wal-Mart can import cheaper goods.