BENTONVILLE, Ark., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart announced to its associates today that they are expanding the test of a new dress code, which includes dark blue polo-style or dress shirts and khaki slacks or skirts, to stores in the Northeast and Southeast Divisions. In addition, associates in all Wal-Mart's Neighborhood Markets will wear dark green shirts and khaki slacks or skirts.
The new look has been tested in about 160 stores throughout the country, including 86 stores in Georgia and Texas, where it was first introduced earlier this year. Customer and associate feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
"Our associates in the test stores have told us they really prefer the new look because it reflects more pride and makes them feel like part of a team, and customers find it more contemporary and more professional," said Pat Curran, executive vice president for Wal-Mart stores in the U.S. "As a matter of fact, 95% of the associates in our test stores said they wanted to continue the new dress code and encouraged us to take this new look to additional stores."
"I love it," said Frances Lucero, a produce department manager at the new Wal-Mart in Chino, Calif. "I don't have to worry about what I'm going to wear to work, and customers can easily spot our associates when they need help."
"The associates at our store say it makes them feel better," said Chanda Sokol, personnel training coordinator in Plano, Texas who has been with Wal- Mart for 14 years. "It was easy to switch over from the vest. This is more comfortable and everyone can get something that really fits them."
The company will provide each of its U.S. store associates with two polo- style shirts and reimburse associates for one pair of pants or skirt. The Company is creating a website where associates can supplement the items they receive with quality merchandise at cost (shirts for as low as $3- $5 and pants for as low as $10- $15).
The company will continue to test the acceptance by associates and customers before making a decision to roll it out nationwide.
About Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York and NYSE Arca stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartfacts.com/ .
Editor's Note: High-resolution photo of Wal-Mart associates wearing the new attire is available at http://www.walmartfacts.com/ .
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk,
