Influx

Wal-Mart is clearly a brand in the midst of a radical transformation, what the giant finally becomes is uncertain, but there are some interesting things going on. Influx decided to take a look by looking at some of the key news stories from the past three weeks.

It’s interesting to see how the brand’s shift upscale is both a key strategy play, but it also has a considerable effect on image. Even if some of these initiatives never materialize, getting the good news out there is a critical part of the battle. People need to believe that Wal-Mart is doing something.

Wal-Mart Slowly Shifts Strategy From Price to Quality

Wal-Mart to de-clutter store- March 8th
Wal-Mart goes organic-March 8th
Wal-Mart tries to go more upscale-March 3rd
Wal-Mart looks for new ways to grow- February 25th
Wal Mart to open more in store health clinics-February 23rd

Wal-Mart tries to Improve its Image

Wal-Mart uses bloggers for PR- March 8th
Wal-Mart searches for ethics director- March 7th
Wal-Mart to offer improved health benefits- February 23rd

Wal-Mart goes Eco-Friendly

Wal Mart goes organic-March 8th
Suppliers get on board with Wal-Mart’s environmental program- March 3rd

Wal-Mart is trying to do a great deal to sharpen its business focus, but also to manage its image. Two very difficult things to manage simultaneously.

As one of the most powerful companies on earth, how it chooses to evolve will have severe implications across many businesses.

Overall, how much of this is for image effect and how much will it really do?

As an example, it will be interesting to see just how serious it is about environmental issues, because a small shift by Wal-Mart into that marketplace could single-handedly turn the environmental and organic niches into a true mass-market concepts.