WAL-MART ILLINOIS SEEKS LOCAL VENDORS TO SUPPLY EARTH-FRIENDLY GOODS TO STORES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact Mia Masten 773-380-3773

CHICAGO, IL - Wal-Mart Illinois is calling for local vendors to supply sustainable products and services to Wal-Mart stores across the state and in Illinois. The program was announced today at the Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation Annual Meeting and Environmental Panel.

Whether it's selling products made from recycled materials or using energy-efficient technologies, Wal-Mart is searching for more ways to enhance its dedication to environmental stewardship. Some examples of vendors' "green" products and services could include:

• A farmer who sells organic goods
• A company that pressure-washes sidewalks using technology that captures the water for reuse
• A landscaper who uses innovative techniques to conserve water
• A recycling company that collects paint, aerosol cans, old electronics, or other items
  

"Wal-Mart has made strides to implement environmentally friendly products and practices in our stores, and we want to work with more local companies to take sustainability to the next level," said Todd Libbra, Wal-Mart Regional General Manager. "Our call to vendors will not only help us support our commitment to protecting the earth, but also support our local businesses and economies."

Wal-Mart already has identified and is working with local Chicagoland vendors and looks forward to expanding those relationships.

"This supports GNCDC's efforts to build stronger business connections and a more vibrant economy for Chicago's Northwest Side," said James Lemonides, CEO of Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation.

Wal-Mart is proud to be a "store of the community," and provide opportunities for local companies to do business with Wal-Mart. Store managers select 25% of their stores' merchandise to best fit with their communities' needs, often working with local companies.

How the process works:

• A vendor contacts his or her local Wal-Mart store manager to set up a meeting
• The vendor meets with the store manager and/or market manager to pitch his or her product or service
• If the Wal-Mart managers approve the vendor's proposal, they provide it to the corporate Wal-Mart office
• The corporate office reviews the proposal and makes the final decision
• If approved, the vendor provides his or her products and services during a 6-12 month trial period; vendors may continue to sell their goods past this time if successful
  

For more information about working with Wal-Mart, vendors should contact their local Wal-Mart store manager. Chicago West Side Wal-Mart is located at 4650 W. North Avenue. The number is 773-252-7465.

About Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT) Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club locations in the United States. The Company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. Wal-Mart serves more than 176 million customers weekly in 14 markets. The company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT. For more information: www.walmartstores.com.