The Bigger the TV the Better the Game for Southerners; Wal-Mart Customers in Southeast Purchased More HDTVs Before Superbowl Than Other U.S. Regions

The Bigger the TV the Better the Game for Southerners; Wal-Mart Customers in Southeast Purchased More HDTVs Before Superbowl Than Other U.S. Regions

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Though two Midwest teams will be the center of attention in the homes of millions this Sunday, states such as Mississippi are taking the most advantage of this season's great values on large format HDTVs. In the four weeks leading up to Superbowl, Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) says that customers in Southern states bought more 42-inch Plasma and LCD HDTVs than any other region in the U.S.

"We've seen a large increase in interest from customers especially this year to move into the HDTV format, driven by special financing on items, improved selection and lower price points," said Kevin O'Conner, vice president of general merchandise for Electronics at Wal-Mart.

In the same four weeks, Wal-Mart says it sold enough large format TVs to line the Dolphin's Stadium football field more than 90 times!

Among each state, California carries the highest purchase numbers of 32- inch HDTVs -- the most popular of all HDTV size and formats. But by region, the South still holds the lead for the most 32-inch HDTVs over any region in the last month, according to Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart recently introduced a special finance program for shoppers using their Wal-Mart credit card on the purchase of items of $599 or more, offering no interest until 2009. Wal-Mart also advertised Rollback prices on a number of HDTVs. The company expects foot traffic in its newly expanded Electronics departments to be just as busy this weekend, as the excitement among sports fans builds.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Every week, more than 127 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $245 million to local United States communities. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfacts.com/ , http://www.walmart.com/ , or http://www.walmartfoundation.org/ .

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: pauline.tureman@wal-mart.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010831/WALMARTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

CONTACT: Melissa O'Brien of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., +1-800-331-0085

Web site: http://www.walmart.com/
http://www.walmartfacts.com/
http://www.walmartfoundation.org/

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