We've
been watching as super stores like Wal-Mart and Costco have
inched their way toward the posh. Now
Wal-Mart has taken a big step opening up a palace of luxe in Plano, Texas. The new store will offer high-end
electronics, fine jewelry and gourmet food and wine. The
Houston Chronicle quotes a study that says
nearly half of American families shop at Wal-Mart at least once a week. With market saturation reaching its peak, the
retail giant is hoping to court the upscale consumers. The store may also help Wal-Mart land vendors who have turned
their up their noses at being associated with the brand. The new store is larger than the traditional Supercenter but
the exterior is two-tone brick and inside their are wood floors and wide aisles with lower shelves. And no blue smocks!
The first store is located in an area where there is also a SuperTarget and a Costco giving Wal-Mart a chance to try out
the concept against their biggest competition.
