Last Updated: Friday, March 13, 2009

Walmart same-store sales jump last month

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)
March 6, 2009

Walmart Stores Inc.'s sales surged in February, beating the company's forecast and retail analysts' expectations at a time when most retailers reported double-digit sales declines.

The company also raised its stock dividend Thursday for the 35th consecutive year.

Dillard's Inc. of Little Rock was among the retailers that suffered another sharp drop in sales. With unemployment rising and household incomes shrinking, department and apparel stores have tried for months to draw customers with sharply discounted merchandise with limited success. Read more