Some interesting Wal-mart news...

Wal-Mart Using FedEx As Extension Of Its Stores

Storefront Backtalk

October 14, 2010
http://www.storefrontbacktalk.com/supply-chain/wal-mart-using-fedex-as-extension-of-its-stores/#ixzz12LnywqPd

Wal-Mart, the 8,000-pound gorilla in retail with 4,300 U.S. stores, finds itself in an awkward position in many urban areas—its stores are few, and resistance is strong. One of Wal-Mart’s more creative responses to this problem was rolled out Wednesday (Oct. 13): Give E-Commerce customers free shipping (no minimum required) and let them pick up the order at a local FedEx office, which in an urban area is probably a lot closer than a Wal-Mart store.

In Cities That Battle Wal-Mart, Target Gets a Welcome

Wall Street Journal

October 14, 2010    

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575427143390869962.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. remains a pariah to U.S. labor unions and urban activists who continue to hold the world's largest retailer to a different standard than rival Target Corp. as they block its plans to expand into the nation's biggest cities.