Walmart Going Strong

Walmart Stores Inc. (Bentonville, Ark.) reported a strong sales performance during the four-week February period. Its U.S. operations saw comparable store sales increase 5 percent, as store traffic and average tickets increased, the retailer says.

Walmart reported its net sales for the four-week period rose 8.1 percent to $20 billion,
“Our customers have come to trust our 'Save Money Live Better' promise and we exceeded our own expectations for the period,” said Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman, Walmart Stores. “We believe falling gas prices significantly boosted household disposable income in February and therefore allowed for both more trips and more spending towards discretionary categories.”

Walmart reports that grocery, health and wellness and entertainment categories drove strong sales, as home and hardlines were also positive.

The company’s Sam’s Club division saw increases in net sales of 3.1 percent and same-store sales of 5.9 percent.