The 24/7 Wall St.-The Channel Checkers Survey: Cheap Brands Selling At Wal-Mart (WMT)

Over the past week, we surveyed Walmart (WMT) stores to gauge trends at the largest bix box chain in the U.S.  We asked the following questions:

1. How is business this month? 
2. Do you have any excess inventory or products that will go on sale soon? 
3. Do you believe that the weak housing market and economy are hurting business at your store?
4. What is the top selling brand of women’s clothes right now?

• 60% of respondents said business was “above average”, 23% said business was average while 17% said business was “very strong”.
• 57% of respondents said they did not have any excess inventory. 43% of respondents said they did have excess inventory that would be put on sale soon, with no specific item being highlighted.
• 33% of respondents though housing and economic issues were hurting sales, well below previous surveys.
• Faded Glory, a Walmart store brand, was seen as the top selling brand of women’s clothing according to 50% of respondents.  10 said that Levi’s was the top brand.

Conclusion :  Walmart stores business looks healthy  with low levels of inventory, and low levels of concern by employees about larger macro issues such as housing and the economy. Lower end brands seems to be selling well such as Faded Glory and Levi’s.

For access to the underlying survey or for more information, please contact Jason Katz at 415.867.0959 or [email protected]

Douglas A. McIntyre