WAL-MART SEES SAME-STORE GAINS IN AUGUST

Wal-Mart reported a higher-than-expected 3.1% increase in comparable-store sales in the US, including Sam’s Club, for the month of August. This has been Wal-Mart’s biggest gain in same-store sales since March, which the company said was driven by its “price leadership.” Meanwhile, stores such as Costco did not have such a great month.

Net sales for the four-weeks ending Aug. 31 were $18.2 million, up 7.8% yoy, while sales at Sam's Club increased 6.2%, to $3.34 million. The electronic, fresh food, and grocery categories were its strengths.

In September, Wal-Mart forecasts U.S. same-store sales to rise between 1% and 3%.