Wal-Mart reports April sales of $29.2 billion

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores reported net sales of $29.2 billion for the four-week period ended May 2, compared with net sales of $26.6 billion.

The company reported that comparable-store sales for April (excluding fuel) increased 3.2%.

According to the company sales at its Wal-Mart Stores were driven by flat-panel TV's, video games and gaming systems. The company also reported that sales were higher in food, dry grocery and consumables, while the allergy season helped drive sales of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Earlier this week, Wal-Mart announced an expansion of its prescription medication program, which now includes 90-day prescriptions for $10 on 350 medications, low prices on additional women's health medications and a $4 price on more than 1,000 over-the-counter medications, while the home area remains soft. Customers also responded to Wal-Mart's offerings during Earth Month, including hundreds of environmentally friendly products.

Sam's Club had sales strengths in dry grocery and consumables during the April period. In general merchandise, sales were strong in office supplies, furniture and video games. Apparel, house wares and jewelry were soft during the period.