CRM Featured Article
May 09, 2008
Wal-Mart Debuts Online Budget Resource Guide
By Wal-Mart launched today a new online platform for customers looking for ways to save money during tough times.
Located at http://www.walmart.com/savemore, the site will provide tips and advice from Ellie Kay, America's family financial expert and best-selling author of 11 books including her most recent release, A Tip A Day with Ellie Kay.
Ellie has over 20 years of financial experience and has appeared on numerous television and radio talk shows speaking about sensible ways in which women, families and children can improve their saving habits. Her advice will be a resource for budget-conscious shoppers looking for tips and tools as they face a summer of increasing costs for gas, food and other necessities.
Wal-Mart merchants and everyday shoppers will also have the ability to add content to the site by sharing their own ideas on how to spend wisely and save more money. Over the last six months, nearly half of Americans say they are trying to spend less and save more, according to an April 2008 study by BIGResearch.
According to Ellie Kay, "Millions of Americans are currently facing tough times, and it's important people know there are simple solutions to save money, and ways to spend their dollars thoughtfully.”
"I'm pleased to share what I have learned from experience, so we can help families evaluate their spending and make smart, lasting decisions,” Kay added.
The Wal-Mart money-saving Web site will feature:
- Ellie Kay's Money Saving Tips: A mother of seven, Kay provides practical pointers anyone can use for savings big and small.
- How's Your Spending Style Quiz: An interactive quiz for people who want to know where they rate as far as saving and spending, along with counsel from Ellie Kay on factors to consider when trying to save even more.
- Weekly Columns: Timely columns from Ellie Kay whose first column is, "Seven Steps to Survive and Thrive in Tough Economic Times." Columns will be updated every few days.
- Consumer Insights: Wal-Mart's senior merchants provide customer perspective and Wal-Mart plans for helping customers save in the checkout lanes.
- Share YOUR Ideas: The site allows for consumers to present their ideas for how they've learned to save money and spend wisely, with top ideas shared on the site.
Later this spring, http://www.walmart.com/savemore will host podcasts and an interactive on-line chat for customers to ask Ellie Kay questions in addition to the advice columns and tips.
It is estimated that Wal-Mart saves customers millions of dollars a year, and plans increase consumer savings with phase three of its $4 Prescription Program, which now covers a 90-day prescription for $10, additional women's health medications, and 1,000 over-the-counter (OTC) medicines at $4 and below.
The 90-day option provides more choices to customers and physicians who in the past may have been limited to mail order prescriptions.
Wal-Mart is also enhancing savings across the store and on-line by cashing economic stimulus checks for free and Rollbacks on prices, starting with everyday grocery items like juices, coffee, cereal, and pizza. Internal Wal-Mart research shows its prices on frequently purchased items can be up to 25 percent lower than competitors.
With over six in 10 Americans planning to use their stimulus checks to cover their family needs, it's a price gap that will deliver real value in the weeks ahead, according to the company.
Michelle Robart is a Contributing Editor at TMCnet. To read more of her articles please visit her columnist page.
