Walmart revealed that its US division generated a majority of its sales from grocery categories for the first time in its history last year.

Grocery sales - including meat, produce, deli, bakery, dairy, frozen foods, floral and dry groceries, as well as consumables such as health and beauty aids, household chemicals, paper goods and pet supplies - accounted for 51% of sales, up from 49% in 2008.

The share was gained from hard lines - including crafts, stationery, books, automotive accessories, hardware, sporting goods, seasonal merchandise - and clothing; these categories’ share of sales declined 1 percentage point each to 11% and 10% respectively.

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