Look to see new TV ads for Wal*Mart showing 30 second clips featuring name brand products at low prices.  The latest is a result of the contract Wal*Mart has with a new ad agency: Interpublic Group's Martin Agency.  The hope is to attract high income shoppers without losing its core budget conscious consumers.  The new ad agency is partnering with Wal*Mart to develop and implement the message.
 
Wal*Mart is one of a hand few of retailers posting better than expected earnings and profits for the year to date and its stock price is up vice most other retail stores' stock prices.
 
Also look for a new "faith-based" line of toys and action figures on the Wal*Mart shelves.  A new addition for the store and for retailers in general, which shied away from religious themed toys.  The new "faith-based" toy line is expected to sell very well based on preliminary market research and surveys.
 
BTW one of the retailers struggling this year, BEST BUY, selected a woman as Executive VP.  The hope is the new VP, focusing on what sells to women, will attract more female customers to BEST BUY stores.
 
Carmine D.

Hello Venson:
 
I heard big Wall's advertising budget is almost TWO MILLION dollars a day or $600 MILLION a year.  I don't know many other companies, save McDonald's, that come close to that amount.  As they say.......Money talks.
 
Wal*Mart and Martin are developing a new marketing strategy that will develop the company's ads in conjunction with key suppliers.  If you've been to a big Wall store lately there are large signs in its electronic departments highlighting major brands such as Philips and Samsung.  The message is:  "The brands you want, at the price you want."
 
Wal*Mart is also actively recruiting suppliers to help finance TV ads, called "co-op" advertising funds, that many suppliers offer.   Big Wall shunned this practice in the past.
 
Wal*Mart will also factor into it's TV ads the rising cost of gasoline.  Sending the message its silly to spend more on gas as well as everything else.  So you're smart to drive to a Wal*Mart store to save.
 
Carmine D.

The Eureka Capture:  Lemon Lime green.  Sold in Wal*Mart.
 
Things I like about the Capture:
 
Price $128
 
2 year warranty
 
Brush roll is very suited for all carpets and rugs
 
Rug height adjustment
 
Washable filters
 
Spin duster on board
 
 
Things I don't like about the Capture:
 
No vacuum carrying handle.  Have to use the handle grip.  Makes vacuum appear heavier and bulkier.  Difficult for a short person to lift because it has a tall handle.
 
Power Tool in the storage holder is a very tight fit.  I can see some of the tools breaking when users pull and push in and out.  
 
Dirt bin removal and dumping is awkward and tricky.  Empties from the top.  No handle to remove and dump bin.  Will be very messy.
 
Carmine D.