America, as Defined by Wal-Mart

With firm grasp on US consumers, snapshot of giant's sales is a self-portrait
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 13, 2007 4:29 PM CDT
America, as Defined by Wal-Mart
Customers shop for shoes at a Wal-Mart store, Monday, Aug. 13, 2007 in Niles, Ill. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported a 49 percent increase in second-quarter profits, but the world's largest retailer cut its profit outlook amid weak economic conditions that are crimping consumer spending globally. (AP Photo/M....   (Associated Press)

Wal-Mart knows a lot about Americans, courtesy of the 208 million US consumers who shop there every year. ABC News takes a look at the superstore's sales figures and finds a portrait of the nation's changing face and taste. Some highlights: Boxers are tied with briefs; Ohio buys the most TVs; and the top-selling Wal-Mart item? Bananas.

The Wal-Mart shopper is really everybody in America," says a company executive, offering a look into everybody's shopping cart. Americans love frozen foods and Pop-Tarts. Sales of acne products skyrocket at back-to-school time. People spend big bucks on their pets. And—no surprise here—the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year. (More Walmart stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X