Wal-Mart Says February Sales "Total Disaster", Worst Monthly Start Since 2006; Stock

[flyboy56]

http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/13/news...tax/index.html

I wonder what one of their VP of Finances really said about sales in a intra-company e-mail?

[bmore_ken]

Given that Wal-mart targets lower-income people more than other economic groups, I really think the delay in tax refunds has more to do with it than anything else. Lower income people who qualify for things like the EIC usually splurge this time of year.

I think you're right. It would be interesting to see what Feb sales for the other retailers look like

[flyboy56]

Given that Wal-mart targets lower-income people more than other economic groups, I really think the delay in tax refunds has more to do with it than anything else. Lower income people who qualify for things like the EIC usually splurge this time of year.

And Walmart has made their huge profits off lower income people? Walmart is hugely popular with middle class folks as well.

[ms maggie]

Think maybe the weather had something to do with this? Last weekend the northeast was basically shut down.

[soulflower]

And Walmart has made their huge profits off lower income people? Walmart is hugely popular with middle class folks as well.

Walmart depends on poor and lower-middle class people

[Cameron]

And Walmart has made their huge profits off lower income people? Walmart is hugely popular with middle class folks as well.

Yet red, red WalMart isn't doing well.

While blue, blue Costco exceeds expectations.

Maybe it's time to stop blaming the customers.

Costco's revenue at stores open at least a year climbed 4 percent in January, narrowly beating Wall Street's expectations. . .

Total revenue for the five week period ended Feb. 3 increased 7 percent to $9.35 billion.

The Issaquah, Wash. company said that there was one less day in the current period when compared with a year due to the timing of the New Year's holiday. This hurt Costco's total revenue and revenue at stores open at least a year by about 2 percent. . .

http://seattletimes.com/html/localne...yndication=rss

[sage]

People are just tired of buying chinas cheap communist made cr*p, also carried by target!!
http://www.prlog.org/11793865-target-shots-walmart.jpg

[flyboy56]

People are just tired of buying chinas cheap communist made cr*p, also carried by target!!
http://www.prlog.org/11793865-target-shots-walmart.jpg

Goods made in foreign countries is all you can find these days.

[sage]

Goods made in foreign countries is all you can find these days.

CNN commenters provide picks for brands that manufacture in America; Products manufactured in America may seem hard to find, but it's not impossible!

Made in America: The short list
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/13/living/made-in-america

(This is a good one!) Made in the USA Products Directory
http://www.americansworking.com/

[NCBirdfan]

Benefits are generally offered when things are tough and business is slow.

...or to get an advantage over the competition.

[Rael]

Blame Congress.

Normally, most people get their tax refunds by late January/early February. Due to the fact that the Fiscal Cliff deal didn't get done before the deadline, the tax refunds were delayed for most people.

The direct result is the weaker than normal sales for stores like Wal-Mart.

Refund? What is this thing you call refund? I've heard whispers of it but haven't seen the elusive beast in years.

[bmorepunk]

How offensive. We need to organize and protest the name of that store. Why don't they just call it Assault Weapon? Someone should sue them. Disgusting capitalists. Occupy Target!!!!

That was lazy and unoriginal; was it your intent to be ironic?

[NCBirdfan]

Refund? What is this thing you call refund? I've heard whispers of it but haven't seen the elusive beast in years.

Then you are doing something right. People who get refunds have given their money, interest free, to the government all year long.

[soulflower]

Refund? What is this thing you call refund? I've heard whispers of it but haven't seen the elusive beast in years.

I'm in the same club as you. I just hope Uncle Sam uses vaseline this year when I do my taxes

[Rael]

Then you are doing something right. People who get refunds have given their money, interest free, to the government all year long.

I know that argument is technically correct but it is much cooler getting a check for $1200 all at once than it is getting $50 more in each paycheck.

[Rael]

I'm in the same club as you. I just hope Uncle Sam uses vaseline this year when I do my taxes

Yea, and this is my first year with no dependents. I adjusted the withholding but I'm still not looking forward to the results.

[Cameron]

Then you are doing something right. People who get refunds have given their money, interest free, to the government all year long.

While that's true, you should see what young, single people with only the standard deduction are paying.

And I don't know how they could insulate themselves because don't you have to have had no tax liability the previous year to do it?

[flyboy56]

Then you are doing something right. People who get refunds have given their money, interest free, to the government all year long.

I laugh at those who say they have a big refund coming back, like they put one over on the IRS. I tell them I would rather owe nothing or a little something to the IRS. They look at me confused and wonder what planet I'm from. I don't bother trying to explain how they are losing money each year by letting Uncle Sam take care of it for them. I later will ask them if they have received their allowance yet. Again, more doe in the headlights look. What would Uncle Sam do without these ignoramuses?

[flyboy56]

While that's true, you should see what young, single people with only the standard deduction are paying.

And I don't know how they could insulate themselves because don't you have to have had no tax liability the previous year to do it?

You can put 1 exemption on your W2 form and pay less in taxes throughout the year. Most put a 0 because they want the bigger tax refund.