Wal-Mart's forecast is sunny

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported today that its sales at its stores open for at least a year were reaching the high-end of the company's financial forecast. In an original estimate, the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer estimated the January period expected a comparable sales increase of 4 to 6 percent. The company announced today that the total company sales are at the upper end of that range. During the economic slowdown, discount chains have continuously out-performed department stores as current customers are on the hunt for a bargain. Federated Department Stores have said its January same-store sales were at the low end of their forecast of a decline of 7 to 10 percent.