Pet Food Recalls, Weather Sink Wal-Mart Sales

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores here yesterday said its U.S. same-store sales for the month of April slid 3.5% after the widespread recalls of dog and cat food and weak apparel sales impacted by cool weather. It was the company’s worst performance in 28 years, according to reports. Wal-Mart said an earlier Easter season this year also resulted in weaker comparisons for April. Grocery categories overall performed well, however, the company said, singling out bread, dairy, produce and frozen foods. Pharmacy sales also performed well, which Wal-Mart attributed to the chain’s offer of $4 monthly prescriptions for certain generic drugs. Excluding the 2.5% gain in April same-store sales at the company’s Sam’s Club division, same-store sales at other Wal-Mart stores in the U.S. were down 4.6% for the month.

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