Steve:
The "we'll be at 300" comment was tongue in cheek. Many of us have been on this thread and watched WMT languish at 23 or two years and then steadily climb to the current level. It almost seems like the sky's the limit.....30's to 40's to 50's to 60's to 70's and beyond. It's been fun and almost all of us are optimistic for the future.
Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Kohls are the three best retailers in my opinion. Wal-Mart plans their expansions and seems to adjust to the changing market conditions rather well. They bought a presence in Germany with the acquisition of a 74 store chain. They are building superstores now to compete with grocery chains. And recently, they announced plans to build smaller stores which will allow further market penetration and better utilization of square footage.
Perhaps most important, at least in my mind, is that the Wal-Mart stores are well merchandised, well layed out, friendly and fun to shop in. You can't say that for the "conventional" department stores such as Macy's, May Co., Federated, Dillards and even Nordstrom. That is one reason Wal-Mart is enjoying their success this holiday season while so many other stores are singing the blues.
Wal-Mart isn't an Amazon, EBay or AOL. But over the long pull, I don't think you could have your money in any better, higher quality stock.
Have a great Christmas and best of luck to you.
Chip |
