Wal-Mart sees same-store sales growth

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. today reported total company sales of $27.6 billion for the four weeks ended Aug. 3 compared with net sales of $25 billion for the four-week period ended Aug. 4, 2006. Comparable-store sales (including fuel) increased 1.9% compared to a 1.5% increase last year.

Sales at the company's Wal-Mart Stores division were $17.6 billion for the four-week period ended Aug. 3, a 6.7% increase over sales of $16 billion last year. Comparable-store sales (including fuel) for this division rose 1.3%, the same increase was reported for the comparable 2006 period.

According to the company, grocery sales were once again stronger than general merchandise sales during the four-week July sales period at the Wal-Mart segment. Perishables led the increase in grocery, with solid performance in dairy and bakery, as well as pharmacy. Electronics continued to show solid comparable-store sales gains over last year, with strength in TVs, computers, digital cameras and video games.

Sam's Club's sales for the four-week July 2007 period were $3.3 billion, a 6.7% increase over sales of $3.1 billion last year. Comparable-store sales (including fuel) were up 5.1% in July compared with 2.6% for the same period 2006.

Sam's Club's sales for the four-week period were driven by continued momentum with small business owners. Sales were driven by increases in average ticket. In addition to small business categories, other strengths included electronics, fresh food and grocery, the company reported

The company expects the comparable-store sales of its United States operations for the August four-week reporting period to be between 1% and 2%, said Tom Schoewe, evp and chief financial officer.