Same-store sales were up 4 per cent, beating company forecasts of 1 per cent to 2 per cent. Same-store sales rose 3.4 per cent at Wal-Mart stores and 7.4 per cent at the Sam's Club warehouse chain. Total sales jumped almost 12 per cent to US$34.26 billion (£17.25 billion), from US$30.68 billion (£15.45 billion) the year before for the five weeks to April 6.
Grocery sales were strong, particularly in dry grocery, produce, dairy and bakery. Home and clothing sales were poor overall, but sales of girlswear and spring seasonal clothing increased as the weather improved.
The retailer said: 'The prescription side of pharmacy had comparable store sales in the mid teens. Consumer purchases were also strong in toys, lawn and garden.'
Wal-Mart executive vice-president and chief financial officer Tom Schoewe said: 'The company expects comparable sales in the US for the April four-week reporting period to be flat, down 2 per cent, due to the Easter calendar shift and April 2006 being our strongest monthly comparable store sales increase last year at 5 per cent.'
The retailer expects sales for the nine-week period covering March and April to be up 1 per cent or 2 per cent. The comparable sales increase during this period last year was 3.4 per cent.
Schoewe said: 'While the earnings guidance is still attainable, given the tough sales environment for the April period it will be a challenge.'
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