Wal-Mart Stores Inc. added 11 states, including Colorado, to its generic-drug program, making the discounted prescriptions available at all of its U.S. pharmacies, a week after Target said it would extend its program to all of its pharmacies.
A month’s supply of 331 types of generic drugs will sell for $4 each, Bentonville, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart said in a statement today. In addition to Colorado, Wal-Mart expanded the program to California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, introduced the program in September in Tampa, Florida, as sales slowed. Sales at stores open at least a year fell 0.1 percent in November, the company said on Nov. 25, the worst performance in more than 10 years. To lure more shoppers, Wal-Mart recently cut prices on toys, electronics, appliances and groceries.
The company initially planned to expand outside of Florida in January. Later it said it would accelerate the rollout and include all states that have Wal-Mart pharmacies. There are no pharmacies in North Dakota.
Target, the second-largest U.S. discount chain, began matching Wal-Mart’s $4 prices, and last week said it will offer a $4 generic prescription-drug program, effective immediately, at all 1,287 of its pharmacies.
Separately, Wal-Mart said it is offering five days of online-only specials today through Dec. 1, marking down some merchandise more than 30 percent. Items include a 42-inch Hitachi plasma television for $1,198 and an all-cashmere scarf for $16.88.
