Bentonville, AR, Apr. 8--Wal-Mart reported March sales Thursday that came in at the high end of its earlier guidance, boosted by strong demand for Easter merchandise and clothes.
The world's largest retailer said sales at stores open at least a year, a closely watched retail measure known as same-store sales, rose 6% in the five-week period ended April 2. Wal-Mart had said it expected sales for the month to be at the high end of its previous guidance of a 4% to 6% sales gain for the period.
Net sales for the month rose 14% to $25 billion from $22 billion a year earlier.
In a pre-recorded sales message, Wal-Mart said that holiday-related merchandise, food, electronics and pet products were among the strongest performing categories for the month.
For April, Wal-Mart said it expects comparable sales to be up at the low end of a 4% to 6% range.
