Ward on Words

WalMart didn't reach the number one spot on the Fortune 500 list by being wishy-washy in its offerings. No, the company has seen incredible success because it lives up to its brand promise every day by offering consumers the opportunity to Save money. Live better. Since it first opened its doors in 1962, the world's biggest retailer has fueled company growth by consistently offering low prices to its customers. Today, WalMart is struggling. The company has seen seven consecutive quarters of declining sales. In an article in the Wall Street Journal, Mike Duke, WalMart's CEO, says that for the WalMart consumer, "there is more pressure today than a year ago," and notes that rising gas prices are impacting the consumer's ability to purchase other goods, like those sold at WalMart. What does it say when a company known for its focus on cost-conscious consumers is struggling? That too many people are finding it very hard to make ends meet in America. Here...

Walmart is getting into the death market. As in caskets and urns used for cremains. When planning a funeral, I suppose it's good to know that there are bargains to be had... Here's a link to the AP story , if you want more details. It's got a great lead: "The world's largest retailer wants to keep its customers even after they die."