Reply #10: Wal-Mart sees Dec same-store sales flat

[UpInArms]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061130/bs_nm/walmart_sales_dc

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT - news) said on Thursday it expects little improvement in December sales at its stores open at least a year as it struggles with disappointing demand for clothing and home decor.

Wal-Mart also confirmed that November same-store sales fell 0.1 percent, their first monthly decline since April 1996.

The world's biggest retailer said electronics and pharmacy were among its strongest categories in November as it cut prices on plasma televisions and rolled out its $4 generic drugs program nationwide.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer has promoted markdowns on popular electronics, toys, small appliances and food. Price cuts helped drive strong sales of high-definition televisions on the day after Thanksgiving.

But Wal-Mart said December same-store sales would likely be flat to up 1 percent -- below the 2 percent growth that Wall Street analysts have said would be necessary for Wal-Mart to meet its fourth-quarter sales forecast.

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