Getting your player ready...
al-Mart Stores Inc. has always competed with Main Street clothing and hardware stores, but this spring, the retail giant may be going head-to-head with specialty stores that sell handmade arts and crafts.
Wal-Mart will begin selling one-of-a-kind handicrafts made by women artisans in developing countries online at .
It’s a surprise move for a retailer whose empire is built on offering mass-produced items at discount prices.
Wal-Mart isn’t talking prices yet, but by 2016 it plans to offer up to 500 items by 20,000 women artisans in two-dozen countries. Among this spring’s offerings: dresses from Kenya and jewelry from Guatemala and Thailand.
