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Bloomberg reports on Walmart’s efforts to address its empty shelf problem, which include a proposal to tie executive compensation to improvements:

“Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) is turning up the pressure to keep its shelves adequately stocked by proposing to tie executive compensation to the issue — and has asked an outside auditor to alert workers which items to focus on by plastering U.S. stores with neon green dots. “

Get the full story at Bloomberg.

CNBC reports that Procter and Gamble CEO Bob McDonald is resigning and that former CEO, A.G. Lafley will once again take the helm:

“Outgoing Procter and Gamble CEO Bob McDonald told employees it was a “very difficult decision,” but he will retire due to the “distraction” of all the attention focused on him from “several angles.”

Read the full story at CNBC.

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Computerworld UK reports on how Walmart is using its mobile app to boost in-store sales:

“Mobile already drives about one-third of the traffic to Walmart.com, spiking to more than 40 percent during the holiday season late last year, Thomas said. The store’s smartphone app also boosts buying: Customers who have the app make more trips to Wal-Mart and spend as much as 40 percent more there, he said. A majority of Wal-Mart’s customers have smartphones.”

Read the full story at Computerworld UK.

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YONKERS, N.Y., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In Consumer Reports’ latest Ratings of sunscreens, Up & Up (Target) Sport SPF 50 spray and Equate (Walmart) Ultra Protection SPF 50 lotion earned the highest scores in tests and were among the least expensive. Some of the priciest sunscreens Consumer Reports tested offered less than their labeled SPF value, a measure of protection from burning UVB rays.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now has new rules governing sunscreens. According to the agency, one of the most important requirements is the testing and labeling that identifies sunscreens that are “broad spectrum.” Broad spectrum means that the sunscreen should offer protection against UVB and UVA rays.

All of Consumer Reports’ top-rated sunscreens offer broad spectrum protection based on its tests. The full report, which includes Ratings of all 12 sunscreens tested, is featured in the July 2013 issue of Consumer Reports and is available at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports evaluated 12 sunscreens for their effectiveness at protecting against UVA and UVB rays – both of which can cause skin cancer. Six sunscreens, including the top-scoring products from Target and Walmart, Coppertone Water Babies 50 lotion and Walgreens Continuous Spray Sport SPF 50 (another store brand) rated very good overall. They guarded against UVB rays before and after 80 minutes under water and were very good against UVA rays – all at a cost $1.67 or less per ounce.

Tests also showed that paying more may not buy more protection—the least effective sunscreens were among the priciest. Both Badger Unscented SPF 34 lotion and All Terrain AquaSport SPF 30 lotion were poor at guarding against UVB rays. These products cost $5.52 and $4.33 per ounce respectively. Badger Unscented SPF 34 lotion has been discontinued but may still be available for purchase online or in stores.

In addition, while there are potential safety concerns associated with several sunscreen ingredients based on animal study findings, Consumer Reports continues to recommend the use of sunscreen as part of a broad approach to sun protection.

Sun protection. Consumer Reports suggests using one of the six recommended sunscreens or choosing a product that claims broad spectrum protection, has a claimed SPF of at least 40, and is water resistant. To stay safe, limit time in the sun, reapply sunscreen every two hours while outdoors, and if possible, wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. And keep in mind the following tips when using any sunscreen:

Proper application. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Use at least 2 to 3 tablespoons of lotion to cover exposed skin. For sprays, use as much as can be rubbed in, then repeat. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Avoid using sprays directly on kids. Adults should spray sunscreen onto their own hands before applying to their face. Sprays are flammable so allow them to dry before going near an open flame.
Proper storage. Don’t store sunscreen in a hot car—it may degrade faster. Skiers take note: once frozen, sunscreens may lose effectiveness. The FDA requires manufacturers to provide an expiration date or show that a product will remain stable (but not necessarily maintain its SPF) for at least three years. Consumers who buy sunscreen without an expiration date should write the date of purchase on the bottle, and toss it once it’s two years old.


Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

Bartlett will report to Mike Duke, Walmart’s president and CEO, and will serve as a member of the company’s executive council.  His responsibilities will include oversight of external communications, government relations and sustainability, as well as the Walmart Foundation, which contributed more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year.

“Corporate Affairs plays a strong role in helping us meet our business objectives at Walmart,” said Mike Duke.  “The team also helps us step up to the broader role we can play in meeting some of the biggest social challenges in the world today – issues like fighting hunger, job creation, sustainability, women’s economic empowerment and the availability of healthier food.”

Duke added, “Dan’s personal integrity, strong professional skills and broad understanding of world affairs make him the ideal leader to continue moving us forward.   He has had key roles in government and at a major communications company.  He has also counseled a wide range of multinational corporate clients in areas such as growth strategy, crisis management and public opinion. He is known for being straightforward, a good listener and collaborative – all traits that will serve him well at Walmart.”

“Growing up in a small Texas town, I’ve seen first-hand the opportunity Walmart provides and the positive impact it can have on local communities,” said Bartlett.  “Now Walmart is in a unique position to make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.  I am honored and excited to be part of that.”


At Hill+Knowlton, Bartlett helped lead the firm’s international growth and managed its day-to-day operations.  He provided strategic counsel to the company’s largest accounts, which represent key industries, including finance, telecommunications and defense. He has also helped multinational companies and NGOs build and align their sustainability, public policy and philanthropic programs.

Prior to this, Bartlett was a senior counselor to President George W. Bush.  In this role he was responsible for all aspects of the president’s strategic communications planning, formulation of policy and implementation of the president’s agenda.  He also oversaw the White House press office and the Offices of Communications, Media Affairs and Speechwriting and Global Communications.  Bartlett also played a key role in George W. Bush’s presidential and Texas gubernatorial campaigns.

Bartlett has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently an adjunct professor at the university’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

Bartlett, his wife Allyson and their four young sons will be moving to northwest Arkansas.

Courtesy WalmartStores.com

BrandZ ranks Amazon over Walmart in its list of 100 Most Valuable Brands:

“But the battle between Amazon and Walmart isn’t actually about online versus in-store — it’s about being omnichannel — accessible at every touchpoint, competing within all realms of the consumer’s daily routine. As marketers and advertisers have known for decades, the more a consumer interacts with the brand, the greater the bond is.”

Read the full story at AdAge.

Little Rock, Ark., May 20, 2013 – Walmart is set to launch a program in its Arkansas stores that will highlight and promote consumer products created, processed and produced in the state, giving shoppers the opportunity to support businesses and vendors with ties to Arkansas.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe will join Walmart officials for the launch of the Arkansas’ Own program on May 20 at the Walmart Supercenter at 2700 S. Shackleford Road in Little Rock.
“Part of supporting our Arkansas companies is knowing when and where we can purchase their products,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “Through ‘Arkansas’ Own,’ Walmart will help Arkansans more easily find and buy goods made here in the state we all call home.”

Walmart has close to 100 Supercenters, discount stores, Neighborhood Markets and Express stores in Arkansas, giving producers a huge number of retail outlets to showcase their products.

“Our ultimate goal is to create awareness and drive consumer interest in Arkansas items and help the vendors and suppliers that mean so much to Walmart in our home state,” said Ashley Taylor of Walmart. “This program will expose shoppers to many products they may not have known are being produced by their throughout the state.”

Walmart currently carries more than 1,700 items manufactured, produced or processed in the state. Those products include 73 brands and 44 suppliers, ranging from mainstays such as Tyson, Gerber Baby Food, Stouffers and Huggies to smaller, lesser-known companies.

Packaging will not be changed, but special signage and labels will be used to point shoppers to the Arkansas’ Own products on store shelves. In addition, items will be moved to prominent positions in the stores throughout the year to give even more exposure.

Arkansas’ Own aligns with a commitment that Walmart announced in January that the company will buy an additional $50 billion in U.S. products over the next 10 years. Walmart will grow U.S. manufacturing by increasing what it already buys here – in categories like sporting goods, apparel basics, storage products, games, and paper products, and by helping to onshore U.S. production in high potential areas like textiles, furniture and higher-end appliances.

Arkansas businesses can apply to sell their products by contacting Walmart Supplier diversity at http://corporate.walmart.com/suppliers/apply-to-be-a-supplier

Firstpost reports that Indian officials will permit multinational retailers, such as Walmart, to open storage facilities even in those states that do not permit foreign direct investment:

“Global retailers like Walmart and Tesco can set up warehouses, cold storages and source products from SMEs in states which have not permitted FDI in the multi-brand retail sector, a senior official said.”

Read the full story at Firstpost.

A U.S. judge has ordered Walmart to turn over additional documents to shareholders investigating Walmart’s actions in the Mexican bribery scandal:

“The judge on Monday suggested that Wal-Mart attorneys had taken a “persnickety and narrow” approach to turning over documents requested by attorneys for large pension funds trying to find out what, and when, company directors knew of the payments.”

Read the full story at USA Today.

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Walmart is drawing its “Made in USA” campaign closer to home by encouraging Arkansas businesses to become suppliers:

“Wal-Mart Senior Vice President Michelle Gloeckler said promoting in-state vendors will improve sales and help the world’s largest retailer sell more U.S.-made products. Presently, 44 Arkansas suppliers produce 73 brands and 1,700 items for Walmart, according to the company.”

Read the whole story at Arkansas Business.