A key part of the success is in private-label products, or store brands.

But consumer product stocks over all have been hurt in recent months by concerns over pricing and the success of private-label products.

And private-label products are hugely profitable for their owners.

The name-brand and private-label products often appear on the same shelf, or very near one another.

Wal-Mart says its private-label products are a response to consumer demand.

As the economy has cooled in the last six months, more shoppers appear to be turning to private-label products or the cheapest national brands.

And one expert contends that private-label products often have the edge.

The two groups also held meetings during the week with the company's merchandisers to determine which private-label products to highlight in the months ahead.

It sold an unusually large number of private-label products.

In the 1950's, it expanded its line of private-label products considerably.