Wal-Mart Celebrates Home, Family & Traditions During Hispanic Heritage Month.

Home, family and traditions are powerful themes in Hispanic culture, and each is celebrated in special publications now available at Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. This year, Wal-Mart continues its annual tradition of recognizing and honoring Hispanic Americans with three separate publications. The first, which will be distributed in all stores, is a special poster titled “A Land of Hispanic Heritage.” The map will serve as an ideal learning tool for educators and parents across the country, as it highlights Hispanic Heritage places of note, museums, cultural centers and historical information in all 50 states. The back of the poster provides even more detailed information.

The 2004 Celebraciones Calendar and Wal-Mart’s 2003 Hispanic Heritage program will be distributed from Hispanic Heritage-themed displays in more than 1,300 Wal-Mart stores and Neighborhood Markets that feature a large Hispanic customer-base. The calendar features traditions and customs of various Latino holidays and celebrations. The program is a 32-page magazine titled “Viviendo” (Living) which includes profiles of Hispanic leaders; recipes; an original interview with Edward James Olmos, an award-winning actor; and much more. More than 700,000 copies of the magazine will be distributed.

According to Betsy Reithemeyer, director of the Wal-Mart/SAM’S CLUB Foundation, Wal-Mart’s annual Hispanic Heritage program is an example of the retailer’s commitment to diversity across all levels of the organization.

“We know each community has characteristics and qualities that make it unique,” Reithemeyer said. “Our goal is to meet those unique needs by offering merchandise reflective of the community, supporting local causes, and recruiting a diverse workforce. In fact, we are proud to be the largest private employer of Latinos, and we place great importance upon offering opportunities for advancement to all of our associates.”