Change is underway at the world’s largest retailer, and, as history has shown, when Wal-Mart changes, the industry changes.
Wal-Mart’s growth rates, while still extraordinary, have steadily decelerated over the past five years. Supercenter expansion, the company’s primary growth engine, is no longer netting new consumers. And, core lower-income consumers have been forced to decrease discretionary spending due to rising gas and heating costs.
In true Wal-Mart fashion, the company has responded to this situation with a comprehensive transformation plan.
The insights provided in this report are intended to help CPG manufacturers and retailers see potential new category, brand and store growth opportunities and risks that will arise from changes underway at Wal-Mart; act on these opportunities with speed and confidence and win at the shelf.