Wal-Mart Launches Online Resource Guide to Save More, Even Beyond the Store

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BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart launches today a new on-line platform for customers hungry for ideas to stretch their dollars during tough times. The site, located at http://www.walmart.com/savemore, will feature tips and advice from Ellie Kay -- America's Family Financial Expert(R) and best-selling author of 11 books including her most recent release, A Tip A Day With Ellie Kay.

With 20 years of financial experience, Ellie has appeared on numerous television and radio talk shows speaking about practical ways in which women, families and children can better understand how to save and spend their money. Her advice will serve as a resource for budget-conscious shoppers looking for tips and tools as they face a summer of rising costs for gas, food and other necessities.

In addition, Wal-Mart merchants and everyday shoppers will have the ability to contribute content to the site by offering their own ideas on how to spend wisely and save more money. Over the last six months, nearly half of Americans say they have tried to become more practical in their purchases and more budget conscious.*

"Millions of Americans are currently facing tough times, and it's important people know there are simple solutions to save money, and ways to spend their dollars thoughtfully," said Ellie Kay. "I'm pleased to share what I have learned from experience, so we can help families evaluate their spending and make smart, lasting decisions."

    Located at http://www.walmart.com/savemore, the site's features include:

    -- Ellie Kay's Money Saving Tips: A mother of seven, Kay provides
       practical pointers anyone can use for savings big and small.
    -- How's Your Spending Style Quiz: An interactive quiz for people who want
       to know where they rate as far as saving and spending, along with
       counsel from Ellie Kay on factors to consider when trying to save even
       more.
    -- Weekly Columns: Timely columns from Ellie Kay whose first column is
       "Seven Steps to Survive and Thrive in Tough Economic Times." Columns
       will be updated every few days.
    -- Consumer Insights: Wal-Mart's senior merchants provide customer
       perspective and Wal-Mart plans for helping customers save in the
       checkout lanes.
    -- Share YOUR Ideas:  The site allows for consumers to present their ideas
       for how they've learned to save money and spend wisely, with top ideas
       shared on the site.

Building on the added advice columns and tips, http://www.walmart.com/savemore will host podcasts and an interactive on-line chat for customers to ask Ellie Kay questions later this spring.

Savings In Stores Continue

Expected to save Wal-Mart customers millions annually, the retailer earlier this week announced phase three of its $4 Prescription Program, which now covers a 90-day prescription for $10, additional women's health medications, and 1,000 over-the-counter (OTC) medicines at $4 and below. The 90-day option gives more choices to customers and physicians who may in the past have been limited to mail order prescriptions.

Wal-Mart continues to enhance savings across the store and on-line including cashing economic stimulus checks for free and Rollbacks on prices, starting with everyday grocery items like juices, coffee, cereal, and pizza. Internal Wal-Mart research shows its prices on frequently purchased items can be up to 25 percent lower than competitors. With over six in 10 Americans expecting their stimulus checks to cover their family needs,* it's a price gap that will deliver real value in the weeks ahead.

Wal-Mart will continue to announce more Rollbacks in upcoming days, adding up the savings on more items across the store. Consumers can see more of Wal-Mart's featured savings in stores and on-line by visiting http://www.walmart.com/savemore or http://www.walmart.com throughout spring and summer

    * Based on data compiled in April 2008 by BIGResearch, on behalf of
      Wal-Mart.

About Ellie Kay

As an author, speaker and media spokesperson, Ellie Kay has 20 years experience helping families around the world gain control of their money. Her diverse approach to writing and speaking includes everything from leading women in fun-filled "Girl's Night Out" programs, to providing upbeat financial advice and giving military families around the world practical skills to handle their unique financial challenges. She has written several books including, A Mom's Guide to Family Finances, and the recently released, A Tip a Day with Ellie Kay.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club locations inthe United States. The company operates inArgentina,Brazil,Canada,China,Costa Rica,El Salvador, Guatemala,Honduras,Japan,Mexico,Nicaragua,Puerto Rico and theUnited Kingdom. Wal-Mart serves more than 176 million customers weekly in 14 markets. The company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT. For more information: http://www.walmartfacts.com.

SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Tags: Tags: Wal Mart, Sears, Nordstrom and other Retail, Computers and Electronics, Arkansas

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Wal-Mart Launches Online Resource Guide to Save More, Even Beyond the Store