New home brands added at Wal-Mart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart is adding to new home brands to its stores, the company announced today. In February 2008 the company will launch its Canopy line, touted as a multi-category home collection. That fall, Wal-Mart will launch its joint Better Homes and Gardens line with Meredith (the media company, which publishes the Better Homes and Gardens magazine). According to Wal-Mart, this line will focus on traditional styles and will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores.

"Our customer looks to Wal-Mart for great brands and a compelling assortment, all at a superior value," said Linda Hefner, evp of home at Wal-Mart. "The additions of Canopy and Better Homes and Gardens brands to our portfolio further enhance our ongoing commitment to providing these needs to our customers."

The new brands are part of Wal-Mart's initiative to revamp its home category. The company said it will expand its new home layout to more stores in 2008, focusing on new stores and remodels. The new layout features a "room solutions" orientation, navigational signage, lower-profile fixtures and "power walls" for power categories like towels.

"Our Home brand portfolio is well positioned to introduce new brands to our customers and protect and grow strong existing brands, such as Mainstays and Home Trends," Hefner said. "We will continue to focus on driving price leadership, strengthening our portfolio of brands, offering compelling product, and improving the store experience for our customers."