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Major Changes Coming Soon!!!

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:12:15 GMT

I was reading blogginstocks the other day and noticed the commentary on Wal-Mart's PC Merchandising. The first bullet point was a bit hard to swallow: "Why even carry PCs is you display them like this". I must be honest here: I agree. We have sold our fare share of computers over the years, but really haven't focused on improving the customer experience and addressing the concerns that bloggingstocks brings up. When I took over the PC business last August, this was the first area on my list that I wanted to address.

As you read down the blog, the next question is "Why is Wal-Mart stepping up to the plate". Well, here is Wal-Mart stepping up to the plate!! On May 19th, we will begin addressing some of the merchandising issues we have experienced in the past to help make the PC shopping experience easier for customers. With over 3,800 stores, you are bound to see some variations of what I am about to show you but know we do recognize a need to change.

The biggest change is in our Laptop area. Here is a mock up of what the new counter will look like:

Again, this is just a mock up but you can see that this is quite a change from our current display at stores. The biggest changes are the helpful signing that will allow you to determine your end use then match up that end use (thru the use of icons) to one of the computers at the store, as well as merchandising the product by brand. We have spent the last few years developing our brand portfolio and are proud of the brands that we can offer to customers. The "Best For" signing allows customers to figure out what computer best fits their needs.

You can then match the icons to the screens on each of the laptops (seen in the first picture) as well as the fact flags below the laptops. The fact flag is meant to clean up the language and speak more to the customers needs. Here is an example:

As you can see this is a major change from where we currently our. We also know that a lot of our customers are researching online at walmart.com or other websites before they ever come to the store so we are working to integrate our online experience to be similar to what you see in the store.

These are some big changes. We are very excited to roll them out to all our customers. I would hope that you would at least consider us for your next pc purchase. Whether you are buying online at walmart.com, buying on line and shipping it to your local store via site to store, or happen to be browsing the new look on your next trip to Wal-Mart to buy deodorant or cereal, give us a try.

Would love to hear your feedback. What do you think of the changes? What else are we missing?

Poll_9

Thanks,

Rip Van Winters

Tue, 06 May 2008 01:20:37 GMT

Wow…I have been absent for two months, but it seems a full twenty years by blog standards. So I am descending from the mountain, joints weary and rusty firearm over my shoulder. I hope you recognize me, fellow villagers of this Blogosphere.

I was going to write an in-depth review about the CTIA convention, but more than adequate coverage has been provided of the products and events. Out of this convention, however, I noticed one major feature on mobile phones that is an emerging trend: high mega-pixel cameras.

What intrigues me most is the reality of your phone and digital camera now becoming one device. To date cameras on phones are used to catch embarrassing moments or quick snap shots, but with the introduction of 3MP, 5MP or even 7.1MP cameras…your phone now can take the family vacation or holiday pictures as well.

If you are interested check out some of the new Sony Ericsson CyberShot phones or my personal favorite the LG Viewty. Drop a line about your thoughts on this topic or others regarding mobile phones.

Now if you will excuse me I need to go trim my beard.

Iron Man

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:03:38 GMT

Last week we were fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of Iron Man, and personally I loved it! Liz from our Marketing team felt really passionate about this movie and wanted to be a guest movie critic and blogger. Here is what Liz says...

As with the beginning of every summer season, comes the summer list of blockbuster movies and must-see hits. This coming summer brings forth no exception. With gas prices skyrocketing, and the heat soon to be blazing, make sure you pick the best of the best to see this summer.

There will be several movies competing for number one, some more deserving than others. One of the best movies you’ll see this summer will come from an unlikely culprit—Iron Man. While less media and consumer products have been circulating around this film, it is by far one of the best of the season. Robert Downey Jr. is surprisingly an excellent Iron Man. Both the story line and action are equally thrilling, and the movie is realistic enough not to seem too far fetched, while still amazingly imaginative. While some early scenes language isn’t necessarily appropriate for the youngest of audiences, the movie as a whole is pretty family friendly. Hollywood has gotten us into a pattern where sequel is the name of the game—sometimes leaving you with a discontented ending, and the feeling that you’ll have to slap down another $10 bucks next summer to see the sequel. Iron Man leaves you without guessing any endings, however with a healthy hope that there will be a sequel to come.

May New Release Movies

Fri, 02 May 2008 09:14:00 GMT

May New Releases

May 6
First Sunday
P.S. I Love You

May 13
Mad Money
The Great Debaters
Untraceable

5/20
National Treasure 2

5/27
Rambo - The Fight Continues

In Honor of Earth Day

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:01:44 GMT

In honor of Earth Day, I can't pass up on the opportunity to take a poll. I was thinking on the way to work today about some of the changes I have made personally since becoming heavily involved in sustainability. The key areas of opportunity in sustainability have always been in my blood (heck, I grew up with a family that produced over half of the food they consumed in the backyard garden), but sustainability changes the way you think about your relationship with the world.

If you are reading this blog, my bet is you know what I'm talking about. Those who recognize the importance of sustainability typically have something in their life they can point to that taught them about their opportunity. For the last couple years, Wal-Mart has been working to help all its associates learn and become a part of the opportunity.

All that being said, I'd like to ask you a fairly personal question. What happened in you that made you understand better your responsibility and opportunity in sustainability. Was it a book? Was it a family member? I know it isn't always one thing, but if you had to choose one that really helped you "get it," what would it be?

Packaging...A Little Better

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:06:06 GMT

Last week was Wal-Mart’s third annual expo focused on sustainable packaging. Over 150 suppliers of packaging set up booths to educate well over 2000 direct suppliers to Wal-Mart with their buyers.

At the show I saw some innovative new ideas that have potential to re-shape packaging. For example, I learned about a new substrate technology that can de-laminate when you pass a current through it (imagine the possibilities for separating different metals or plastic and metal to make both raw commodities that are re-usable). I also saw a lot of pallet technology including plastic platforms that sit at the base of large boxes named Optiledge.

I also saw some crazy ideas that got me to thinking. Since milk somehow keeps popping up in my blogs, I have to throw out this find. Did you know Canadians buy their milk in bags. One of the packaging suppliers referred us to this terribly entertaining short film on youtube. You’ve got to watch these kids, their stars in the making, and it’s a really interesting way to reduce packaging waste. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A28LmR-Nn8s)

Then there were some things that made me less than ecstatic. For example, I was unpleasantly surprised to see the number of biodegradable package solutions on display. In my opinion, a petroleum-based plastic with a few additives that make it break down is simply not a good idea. In fact, the carbon footprint work I have seen on these substrates suggest that it’s actually a negative. Moreover, inside a landfill there is no value to degradation, if it’s even possible. I know these biodegradables sound promisingly easy…it makes the waste just go away…but this one is on my “not worth it” list.

So, overall I was impressed at the packaging there, and more particularly at the conversations sparking new ideas and new partnerships that will lead to more sustainable alternatives on the shelf. Plus, I found a new favorite sustainability innovation provoking film from Canada...if you have any, please do share.

Go Speed, GO!

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:51:15 GMT

The weather is starting to warm up and summer is right around the corner, so what does that mean? It's time for the big summer blockbusters to start hitting theaters! Movie licenses are a huge part of the toy industry and are really what keep the shelves fresh. Last year rocked because of Transformers....this year we have Batman, Indiana Jones, Star Wars Clone Wars, Kung Fu Panda, Ironman, Hulk, Wall-E. The list goes on and on. One of the first big theatricals will be on May 9th, kicking off the summer with Speed Racer.

The movie was done by the due that brought us the Matrix trilogy. It's amazing CGI that really brings you into the world of Speed. There's a great cast, a lot of action, and plenty of cool cars that translate well into toys...of course! The toys are in Wal-Mart stores now- everything from cars, track sets, role play, action figures and more.

In addition to killer graphics and amazing action, you will walk away with a warm fuzzy feeling from the message in the movie. Is it better to win the right way or cheat to win? Hope I didn't give away the ending!

Go Speed, Go!!

Panda Watch!

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:43:46 GMT

Since I missed the Kung Fu Panda screening, Becca, one of our Movie Buyers is providing this Blog. I think she missed her calling, this is movie critic quality!

The month of May is just around the corner and that means hot, summer blockbusters will be coming your way soon! The theatrical slate of movies is shaping up to be strong this year due to the movies being original content, meaning you will not see Spiderman 4, Shrek 4, Pirates 4, etc., (which will most likely be a relief to movie-goers)! This summer is the "summer of comebacks" for both actors and movie franchises. In the action genre, Harrison Ford reprises his role as our favorite, dashing archeologist Indiana Jones; Robert Downey Jr. will attempt to win fans back as the action hero, Ironman; Brendan Fraser will be a full presence in the theaters with Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D and Mummy III. For all the ladies out there who are sick of watching Sex & the City reruns on TBS and the CW, the sassy New Yorkers are back in full force in the Sex & the City Movie. In the comedy world, Adam Sandler will be trying to reclaim his king of the comedies crown with You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and Will Smith takes on another comedic, action hero role in Hancock, which promises to be a hit, if you haven't seen the trailer you need to check it out!

There will also be quite a few family friendly films in theaters including a new Chronicles of Narnia film and a Pixar movie titled Wall-E, but my personal recommendation is that you go see Dreamwork's Kung Fu Panda. We were fortunate enough to screen the movie last week in Bentonville and needless to say, it was a hit with the audience of all ages! This movie is fully engaging and credit is mainly due to the lovable Panda named "Po" who is voiced by the always entertaining Jack Black. Each of the characters are memorable, original, and voiced by a fantastic cast of Angelina Jolie (Master Tigress), Lucy Liu (Master Viper), Dustin Hoffman (Shifu), Jackie Chan (Master Monkey), and Seth Rogen (Master Mantis). The movie is wholesomely entertaining and a safe bet for summer.

What will be your favorite this year?
Iron Man, May 2
Speed Racer, May 9
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, May 16
Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, May 23
Sex & the City, May 30
You Don't Mess with the Zohan, June 6
Kung Fu Panda, June 6
The Incredible Hulk, June 13
Wall-E, June 27
Hancock, July 4
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D, July 11
Batman, The Dark Knight, July 18
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, August 1

April New Release Movies

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:18:02 GMT

April New Releases

April 1
Alvin and the Chipmunks – our 2 pack is a CD
Sweeney Todd

April 8
Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
There Will Be Blood
Lions for Lambs

April 15
Alien v Predator: Requiem
Juno

April 22
Charlie Wilson’s War
Cloverfield
One Missed Call

April 29
27 Dresses
Golden Compass

OK, I know this is posted late, so I hope you all will cut me some slack. :)

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:51:37 GMT

We have been hard at work on something really big and now we can share it with you. Readers of Checkout will no doubt recall the first ever midnight event at Sam's Club which we did last month around Super Smash Bros Brawl. Well, we have been working on something since that time that we can reveal today and the first place it is being announced is right here on this very blog!

Sunday April 27th is the US release of Mario Kart. We were so very thrilled with the response to the first midnight event we had that we are having our second midnight event around this launch! In all clubs where we can, we will open at midnight. (If there are blue laws that prohibit us from opening at midnight in a particular location, we will begin selling this item at the start of normal business hours on Sunday.) That means that folks will be in line on Saturday April 26th waiting for that stroke of midnight when they can enter the clubs to be the first in their town to have this title. We will have a GREAT price on this item. In addition, we are taking steps to ensure the clubs have a solid selection of Wii software and accessories.

Oh, and one more thing (why does that sound so very cool when Steve Jobs says this, but not as cool when I type it. Maybe it is the black turtle neck and Levis?)... We will have at LEAST 15 units of Wii hardware PER CLUB for the event. A great reason to have a Sam's Club Membership and a great opportunity to get a Wii for those folks that have not been able to find one. Pick up a Wii and the latest new game for it, Mario Kart!!

Start your engines, we are in for an exciting ride yet again at Sam's Club. This promises to be an exciting title from Nintendo and a huge seller. You do not need to deposit funds with a competitor of ours to ensure you get one. We will have a LOT on hand in the clubs, but if you want to be certain that you are getting one, we offer pre-sale via dot com. You can text "GAMES" to "SAMS1" or click on our PRESALE PAGE HERE. You can pre-order lots of great titles on many different platforms right from the comfort of your own home. Some cool items there, like the Wii Fit board, Grand Theft Auto, Wall-E, Iron Man and others.

Hope to see you in the clubs! Let's get RACING!!

Some changes in store right now...

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:00:54 GMT

If I may, I wanted to ask you for a favor…you see, we at Wal-Mart are trying something new right now. Over the past 3 years we have worked to build dialogue about sustainability between Wal-Mart and a large number of groups. NGO’s, governments around the world, academics, suppliers to Wal-Mart, our own people, and more have been included. It is our hope now to begin bringing our customers into the conversation.

In stores and in the media right now there are a number of messages being shared; all with a common theme…small changes in how you purchase make a big difference when you are a part of 200 million customers. Without being preachy or overbearing, we hope to share with our customers this month some of the products that we have learned about. These products aren’t perfect, but they have taken a step toward becoming better for the earth and for society; and some of their stories are tremendous.

Take note of new products like Sam’s Choice Coffee which is fair trade certified, rainforest alliance certified, or organic at a substantial value; or the new mulch made out of recycled tires; or the t-shirts made from transitional cotton. For those of you who don’t know, it takes 3 years for a farmers field to transition to being certified organic. During that time, the farmer treats the cotton field the same way he/she would an organic field, but gets no premium for the cotton. This is a burden on the farmer that creates disincentives to moving to organic. I am proud of our apparel team’s commitment to helping these farmers, such that Wal-Mart is now the largest single purchaser of transitional cotton.

Now, the favor…I hope you’ll go stop by your local Wal-Mart, keep an eye out for the ads, and let me know what you think. I would love your opinion.

Wii Fit Extravaganza: Hula Hoop, WHAT!

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:35:54 GMT

I’d have to say that this is one of the coolest ideas to happen in gaming. I was able to experience, first hand, the capabilities and enjoyment of the Wii Fit a few months ago….I know, I know, I’m a slacker blogger because I’ve not written about it or anything else in months. I digress, so back to the blog at hand, I had been hearing about a “fitness” video game for some time and my thoughts were much like the general public’s thoughts…why?! I’ll tell you why my fine friends, because it’s not just a fitness ploy, it’s actually addictive games that incorporate the muscles. From things like hula hooping (hilarious to perform and watch being performed) and ski jumping to Yoga. Yes I said Yoga and if you have ever done Yoga you will be impressed with the workout that your core and contributing muscles receive while trying to keep a tiny little blue dot within the appropriate parameters on the screen based on the slightest movements you have while on the balance board. It is absolutely wild how sensitive and accurate the board is. Back to ski jumping, I laughed so hard watching my teammates attempt to outscore one another while bending at the knee whooshing down the slopes and then bam, standing up just in time for lift off that some of them actually teetered on the edge of the board as if they would fall hundreds of feet if they stepped off to others who held their breath when they lifted off because it truly feels like you are ski jumping. It was so much fun with a group and I can see where it would be a great tool for someone to engage in solo activity. This is a must have people, if you enjoy playing the sports pack that comes with your Wii, this will knock your socks off with the single and social aspect of the unit. Too much fun!

Battlefield Bad Company

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:36:11 GMT

How can you not love a game that features a smiley face pin on a grenade?

Battlefield Bad Company is coming out soon and the folks at Electronic Arts were kind enough to provide your humble author with a beta key to experience the game before it comes out. They also allowed me to give you a head’s up on this one. Tonight, I downloaded it on my Xbox 360 and wanted to share my initial impressions.

Remember, this is only the beta version and right now, it is strictly multiplayer. What is Battlefield Bad Company? Well, glad you asked. It is a first person shooter (fps) that is rated M. The multiplayer portion puts you on the side of the attackers or the defenders. If you are attacking, you are getting the gold bars while the defenders are there to prevent that from happening. If you have seen the movie Three Kings, you have some idea of what the game is about.

“But wait, wait” you say. “Doesn’t the world have enough fps games?” Well, yes and no. Personally, I enjoy fps as a genre, but there are a lot of clones out there. This one is different. For sometime, company PR machines tell us that their new game features “never before seen levels of destruction!” Usually these are evolutionary, incremental changes that while adding some level of destruction are not huge steps in moving the genre forward. The developer, DICE, has changed the landscape with their new Frostbite engine. This, dear readers, is a revolutionary advance. When they say it is a destructible environment, they mean it. Cannot find a door? Well, fire some rounds of machine gun ammo and presto, who needs a door when you can create your own opening? That sniper in the lower level causing problems? Introduce him to your grenade launcher as you remove the wall. A machine gunner keeping your team pinned down? Swing around with some shoulder launched rockets and properly welcome him to the neighborhood by making a modification to that chunk of the house he was hiding behind. Only the frames of structures remain to prevent the landscape from becoming too desolate.

So, I jumped in, head first and apparently made quite a target for the opposition at first. Must have been the bullseye on my back! The controller scheme is pretty straightforward. Graphics are solid. I could not speak to other players in the beta, but the game generates voices in a foreign tongue as well as English. Mostly, they were calls for a medic, warnings about snipers, grenades etc… Certainly, the final version will allow for chat so better teamwork can be achieved. Well, after a few deaths and re-spawns, I got my bearings and it was time to go to work. Weapon changes are a breeze with the bumpers. Changing classes is available at spawn and re-spawn as well. Players choose “kits” which dictate primary and secondary weapon selection. Choices include: Assault, Demolition, Recon, Specialist and Support. One can spawn (or re-spawn) right in the middle of the battle or back a bit in a safe (safer?) zone. After that, it is all about the gold. The game has a ranking system in which scoring points (kills, assists, opening crates of gold, etc…) allows one to move up from a private, sergeant and so on. Not really sure if the rank gets one anything other than letting others know your skill level.

There are Internet reports that Electronic Arts will offer five special weapons to purchasers of the Gold Edition. If you are not getting the Gold Edition, do not despair; they will be happy to sell them to you via downloadable content. Now, EA is saying that the new weapons are balanced and do not provide an advantage or disadvantage. So I am wondering what purpose they serve. If there is no advantage, why offer it? If there is an advantage does that create an unbalanced playing field? Will everyone need to buy it? I am really not sure if I like this as an option and want to see what you think. So here is your chance, read up on it and post your thoughts. I hope Electronic Arts is not floating a trial balloon here. Right now, in head to head play, victory is largely based on skill. If one can purchase advantages, the balance is lost. I do not know if that is the direction we all want to go as console gamers. I say that as a fan of capitalism and with Libertarian sensibilities. I am all for the free market in business. I just like having a level playing field on which to compete. Fair competition makes us all better. I just do not know if this falls under my concept of fair.

All that said this looks like a fun game. Perhaps we can all use a little bit more Frostbite in our lives. Battlefield Bad Company will launch for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

See you soon!

PSP: God of War Chains of Olympus

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:34:17 GMT

Ladies and Gentlemen, Kratos is back and better than ever. God of War:Chains of Olympus (GOWCOO) has recently come out for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Kratos makes his debut on the small screen, but after playing it a few moments, you will forget that this is a portable. This "M" rated game has it all. Graphics are quite amazing and the game play is straight God of War. The PSP is well suited for this game as the controls feel familiar to those who have played the previous iterations of God of War.

For those not schooled in this franchise, a brief explaination is in order. The first God of War made its appearance on the PlayStation 2 (PS2) in March of 2005. We played as Kratos, the "Ghost of Sparta" (his muscular back is on the cover above). You know he is a bad dude already. He is a Spartan warrior and a force with which to be feared on the battlefield. After a particularly grusome battle, he gives up his life in exchange for salvation from Ares, the God of War. Great game play and graphics are hallmarks of the original God of War. This was followed by God of War 2 which was released in March of 2007. Here we follow Kratos as he takes on more enemies including Zeus himself. It just does not get any bigger than that, dear reader. Great game play, graphics and challanges are a part of this as well. In addition, the puzzles and tasks that Kratos must complete are more detailed. In this latest installment, we play as Kratos 10 years before God of War 1. It is a prequel, and it is awesome.

In addition to the great battles, there are more quests and puzzles that keep you thinking. Fans of the series will be pleased with this. Some require a lot of planning. I went through a lot of trial and error on the "ships" in God of War 2 before getting it quite right. Combo moves and powers are unlocked and the finishing moves are incredible. They are almost like mini games within this game. Various enemies round out the battle. The story line is compelling and detailed. Major references to Greek mythology are sprinkled through and provide a vibrant pallet from which we are in awe.

Amazing, does a portable game have a right to look this good?

Picked it up on Friday evening and could not put it down all weekend. Once you complete the game, you can unlock various skins for Kratos. Do not yet have them all, but so far, they look great. So, what do you think?

Poll_8

As you can tell, I think this is a must have title for any God of War fan and PSP owner. Rumors persist that a God of War 3 is coming for the PlayStation3 (PS3). Sony clearly has their work cut out for them in topping the previous versions and this latest installment, but they are up for the task. Picturing playing this in high def and unleashing the power of the Cell Processor engine has me fired up already.

On a personal note, my old PSP died Thursday night. It was my fault. Lost the thumbstick button at CES and picked up a replacement, third party part from an unnamed retailer after a fruitless search for an official replacement. The case in which I store my PSP pushed the thumbstick down and broke it. Now, I am the proud owner of a PSP 2000. It feels so light, that I cannot believe it can do all the old PSP did and more. Blu-Ray ripping to a memory stick (standard def) is coming, SKYPE, internet radio and other updates are all packed in. Additionally, video out is now possible to a big screen. Sony did a nice job and cut costs in unnoticable ways while adding features. PS3 owners will be glad to know that via the PlayStation Network, we can get FREE themes of God of War. Downloaded mine and replaced the older Warhawk and Call of Duty 4 themes. While downloading it, noticed there was a PSP background as well. Pop in a Memory stick and once completed, pop it in the PSP. WOW, what a cool concept. Hard to believe that these themes are FREE. Great job on this Sony. From the game, the system, themes and the interoperability, job well done.

Review the 2008 Lawn & Garden Catalog

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:15:17 GMT

Jon,

Great point on me not blogging since December so let me re-start my blogging.

The Lawn & Garden (L&G) team just came back from overseas working on 2009 product (Patio sets, firepits, fountains, pottery, outdoor décor, folding furniture, & grills). There will be a lot of new product for 2009 so stay tuned.

Enough about 2009 I wanted to share with you some of the merchandise that is available in stores now. Check out our Lawn & Garden 2008 Outdoor Catalog that features Better Homes and Garden merchandise. It will be available online in the near future.

The 2008 L&G catalog highlights several categories that can enhance your time in your backyard focusing on patio sets and grills and all the accessories to compliment them. Several of our Key Patio sets are by Better Homes and Garden. This year if you purchase a Better Homes & Garden patio set we offer a 1 year free subscription to their magazine. A few new items this year are our outdoor rugs 5x8 that match back to the patio see page 14 or an Umbrella light see page 22. For those grilling on the go check out our table top grills on page 35. Flip through the pages and dare to imagine what your backyard could be at such affordable prices!!! A wider selection of product is available at Wal-Mart.com and with our site to store option many sets can be shipped to your Wal-Mart.

My personal favorite Patio Set is the Bali Island Collection with the Anisette Outdoor Rug. The surprise item of the season for me is the 36" tall Lion Statue - see page 25.

I am ready for some warm weather so I can start enjoying some more time outside with the family.

***UPDATE - YOU CAN FIND THE 2008 CATALOG HERE