Bears vs. Colts – Will Wal-Mart Sales Predict Game Results Again This Year?

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Jan. 26, 2007 – Wal-Mart Stores and Walmart.com announced today that sales of Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts merchandise, both in stores and online, reflect a competition of their own leading up to the Feb. 4 match-up. With just over a week before one of the most anticipated sports events of the year, sales are illustrating a slight lead between the two teams’ licensed merchandise, and a historical look back at the retailer’s NFL tee-shirt sales may provide insight into the final game results.

Wal-Mart customers have predicted the Super Bowl winner the last three out of four years by purchasing more of the winning team’s NFL licensed tee-shirts prior to game time. With the exception of the Philadelphia Eagles, the sales of Wal-Mart NFL tee-shirts prior to kick-off time have forecasted the Super Bowl winner since 2003 – a trend that fans across the country may find interesting in the days ahead.

More than 127 million customers walk through Wal-Mart Stores and shop online every week, uniquely positioning the retailer to provide insight into the trends of mainstream America through shopping patterns and buying data. A current look at sales data for NFL licensed tee shirts gives the Chicago Bears a slight lead over the Indianapolis Colts.

Specific merchandise may continue to provide a forecast for the upcoming game. Wal-Mart will provide a “pregame” update (Friday, Feb. 2) and a final “score” on Monday, Feb. 5 to see if customer trends continue to predict the game’s outcome.

* NFL Team Gazebo (Walmart.com) – BEARS LEADING
* NFL Team History DVD (Walmart.com) – COLTS LEADING
* NFL Five-Piece Newborn Gift Box (Walmart.com) – BEARS LEADING

Rensselaer, Ind., marks the halfway point between Chicago and Indianapolis and the community is an example of the fan division for the upcoming Super Bowl. With merchandise available for both teams, the local Wal-Mart is providing support for both contenders.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, more than 127 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $245 million to local United States communities. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmart.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.

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