Tom Williams, a Wal-Mart spokesman, would not discuss the case, but said the termination had been for "inappropriate conduct."

Nate Hurst, a Wal-Mart spokesman, called the studies "paid attacks by our union critics."

The deal does not include 22 Woolco stores that are in downtown locations or were considered too small to acquire, a Wal-Mart spokesman said.

Indeed, a Wal-Mart spokesman all but confirmed this to me.

A Wal-Mart spokesman denied that the company was overstocked.

Gus Whitcomb, a Wal-Mart spokesman, said the company was cooperating with prosecutors.

A Wal-Mart spokesman attributed this triumph to an "emphasis on value shopping."

And a Wal-Mart spokesman said that getting customers out of the store without long waits has become as important as attracting them.

"We are not asking for special treatment," a Wal-Mart spokesman said.

A Wal-Mart spokesman says it is company policy "to pay its employees properly for the hours they work."