He could not be reached for comment last night, and a Wal-Mart spokeswoman declined to offer more information beyond the company's statement.

Sarah Clark, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman, said the company knew little about the meeting.

A Wal-Mart spokeswoman said, "We are pleased with sales for the holiday season this year."

A Wal-Mart spokeswoman said she did not know where the name had originated.

Mona Williams, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman, said that many items appeared to be selling a week later than they did in past years.

Mona Williams, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman, rejected the criticism of the company.

A Wal-Mart spokeswoman said the treatments initially slowed his pace, but not now.

A Wal-Mart spokeswoman declined to acknowledge such an effort.

Mona Williams, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman, said the company received hundreds of calls a day from reporters.

A Wal-Mart spokeswoman could not be reached for comment yesterday.