business news in context, analysis with attitude

• A new poll conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press reveals that 84 percent of Americans have shopped at a Wal-Mart in the past year, that people living in households with incomes of less than $30,000 a year give the company its highest marks, and that 69 percent of those familiar with Wal-Mart have a favorable opinion of Wal-Mart.

"This poll proves that working families believe Wal-Mart is a good place to shop and a valued member of the communities we serve," said Sarah Clark, a Wal-Mart spokesperson. "Taken just last week, it also shows that the union leadership's multi-million dollar negative attack campaign is having no impact on our business or our customers."

So there.


• Wal-Mart Canada has announced that it will build its first two or three supercenters in Ontario during late 2006 and 2007.
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