New offering at Wal-Mart. Retailer reaches out to local small businesses

As it tries to expand into big cities, the world’s largest retailer reaches out to local small businesses by showcasing a select bunch on its in-store TV network and buying ads for them

Now, in a first for Wal-Mart, the company is pledging support to its smaller rivals. It is offering to pay for local newspaper advertising to showcase the independent stores on Wal-Mart’s in-store TV network and donate funds to the local chambers of commerce. The catch: The program is only offered for economically disadvantaged inner-city neighborhoods.

By Sandra Jones

Full Story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0701120134jan12,0,2884434.story?coll=chi-business-hed