A FRESH LOOK AT FOOD. According to  Super market News ,  Wal-Mart became the largest domestic food retailer during fiscal 2001. Sales in Supercenters now routinely exceed those achieved by discount stores. This accomplishment alone demonstrates the great Customer acceptance of our  food offering.  they look for every day,” Doug Degn, Executive Vice President of Food Merchandising, said. Freshness in food is a strategic advantage at Wal-Mart and is a key element to our growth. Wal-Mart buys products from all over the world to ensure Customers have the best each season offers. Our logistics team quickly moves the merchandise through the distribution network. Turning merchandise quickly is key to all fresh food areas. Associates ensure food is stocked immediately after it arrives. Last year, Wal-Mart opened six new food distribution centers to support the growth of Supercenters, SAM’S CLUBS and Neighborhood Markets. focused on expanding its private-label items. The Great Value ® line offers Every Day Low Price alternatives to brand names, while maintaining quality equal to or better than competing name brands. The Sam’s Choice ® line offers products with unique and innovative features demonstrating the highest quality available at Wal-Mart. Our private label products are very well received by Customers and continue to grow as an important part of our business. Wal-Mart’s growth in food translates into unique job oppor for Associates. Our success in food will be led by Associates who are willing to try new approaches and are committed to providing Customers the outstanding service and value they expect. “Our Associates are dedicated, driven people and we encourage them to seek any opportunities that arise within the Company. Our food operations allow them another avenue for career advancement,” Tom Coughlin, President & CEO of Wal-Mart Stores Division, said.  “We are bringing Wal-Mart’s traditional philosophy of great quality at the lowest price to food. We understand the differences involved in food retailing and we strive to provide Customers with the freshest product at the lowest price, Always! In return, they come back and allow us to serve them again. That’s what it’s all about,”  Degn said. In addition to national brands,  Wal-Mar has also Supercenters have been the Company’s natural vehicle for expanded food sales. Customers look to Supercenters to provide one-stop shopping, and a larger food selection addresses their need for convenience, selection and Every Day Low Prices. “Customers told us what they want – a wider selection of fresh bakery items, meat and produce. We’re simply meeting their needs by providing the items  “Freshness is the most important indicator  of value and quality. Price is meaningless  if products do not meet or exceed Customers’ expectations of fr eshness } because Customers lose confidence and trust,” Degn said. One initiative  to enhance the fresh food concept is “Fresh and Alive at Five.” This program emphasizes rotation, presentation and efficient distribution of fresh items when Customers are most likely to be shopping – after work and on weekends. In this way, Wal-Mart can provide Customers with the freshest assortment possible. Growing food sales is a major emphasis as Wal-Mart seeks to offer Customers exceptional value and quality in food. Wal-Mart understands Customers want to purchase all their food and general mer chandise in one location. Our goal is to provide them with the freshest, most well r ounded assortment at the lowest possible prices.