Growers and Grocers

Wal-Mart’s John Fleming outlined the retail giant’s tactical plans for penetrating new markets and pulling more money from the rare person who shops at Wal-Mart less than every two weeks.

The corporation plans to localize their inventories, expanding baby sections in areas with young families and Mexican or Central American food items in areas with a large Latino population. This is a notable departure from the chain’s formulaic stores.

Fleming broached the subject of sustainability, “a major concern for younger shoppers,” and pointed out ways the company has decreased packaging and energy use. He also discussed the move to organic products and sustainable seafood, though most readers know I’m skeptical of the altruistic motives they cite.

He sidestepped the bad press the company has received for the way it treats its employees, but that bad press has cost them up to 8% of their shoppers. Wal-Mart clearly wants to correct this drop by making their stores more appealing and “politically correct.” Watch for upbeat ads that counteract the corporation’s negative image.