Walmart raises forecast as people return to stores; online sales slow

The world's biggest retailer has also been given a boost by stimulus checks handed out during the pandemic

Walmart Inc increased its annual U.S. same-store sales forecast after beating analysts' estimates on Tuesday, as shoppers coming out of lockdown bought more clothes, travel gear and back-to-school merchandise.
 

As store sales rose, however, the pace of Walmart's online growth slowed dramatically to 6% from 37% in the first quarter.
 

Still, Walmart is on track to reach $75 billion in global ecommerce sales by the end of the year - the retailer reported its biggest ever online sales growth of 97% last year as people used its quick delivery services to order essentials at the height of the pandemic.
 

"Even