Wal-Mart reports monthly sales growth

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart today reported net sales of $17.4 billion, up 5% from sales of $16.6 billion last year. Comparable-store sales for the month (excluding fuel sales) were flat, compared with a decrease of 0.3% last year.

For its Wal-Mart Stores segment, the company reported strong comparable-store sales growth in grocery and pharmacy during the October four-week period.  According to the company, Halloween sales at its Wal-Mart were solid across all departments.  However, seasonal categories related to cold weather including those in apparel, home and hardlines were soft. 

For the company’s Sam’s Club division, sales for the October period included strengths in fresh food, grocery, video games and office supplies. Halloween seasonal performance was an additional positive for the period. 

Wal-Mart said it expects the comparable-store sales of its U.S. operations for the November four-week reporting period to be between flat and 2%.