Wal-Mart Drops The Smock

Wal-Mart employees are about to ditch their frumpy frocks in favor of a preppier look—khaki pants and dark-blue polos. It's part of a broader initiative to streamline and modernize the megastore's image to attract a new, wealthier customer base, Business Week reports. Other recent upscaling: vinyl wood floors and organic goods.

"Our research shows that our current dress code is out of date, having a negative impact on how customers perceive our associates compared to other retail employees," reads the memo to managers. Wal-Mart is lavishig two free polo shirts on each of their underappreciated associates, warning that they will have to pay income tax on the value of the shirts: $15.64 for the pair. (Read more brands stories.)