WAL-MART TESTS HOME SHOPPING, DELIVERY SERVICE

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Wal-Mart is testing a home shopping and delivery service at a single Supercenter here.

t the second Wal-Mart Supercenter slated to open in this market next year, or in other Wal-Mart locations.

Nick White, executive vice president of Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., said, "We intend to stay at the forefront of this emerging trend. However, it is far too early to speculate about the longer-term implications that home shopping holds for Wal-Mart."

Shoppers can select from among 5,000 to 6,000 items and orders are processed and delivered by Home Shopping Alternatives, Bethesda, Md. The delivery fee is $6.95 for phoned-in orders and $5.95 for faxed orders.