Wal-Mart Reports Record Increase in Business With Minority and Women-Owned Suppliers

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. expanded its business with minority- and women-owned companies by more than 25 percent in 2008, according to recently verified figures. In the midst of a struggling economy, where businesses across the country have been forced to close or drastically reduce capacity and workforce, Wal-Mart increased its combined direct and second tier spend to more than $8.1 billion with minority- and women-owned businesses.

In 2008, Wal-Mart's direct spend with minority- and women-owned businesses was more than $6 billion, with second-tier spending totaling more than $2 billion. Second-tier spend is an accounting of suppliers that subcontract with prime suppliers on Wal-Mart business. These spend numbers were verified by CVM Solutions, a third-party enterprise supplier management company.

Wal-Mart began its supplier diversity program in 1994. Through its mission, their supplier diversity team partners with businesses of all sizes, industries and areas of the country.

As part of its efforts to stay connected to the best and brightest diverse suppliers, Wal-Mart partners with several organizations across the country to identify potential partners.

If interested in being a supplier, visit the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) at www.nmsdc.org or the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) at www.wbenc.org

To learn more about Wal-Mart's Supplier Diversity program, visit www.walmartstores.com/Diversity/253.aspx