(By Balachander) Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) said it plans to boost sourcing of U.S. products by $50 billion over the next decade and also expects to hire more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years.
The moves from the retail giant are part of its plans to increase domestic sourcing of the products it sells and help veterans find jobs.
On domestic sourcing, Wal-Mart plans to increase what it already buys here – in areas like sporting goods, apparel basics and storage products.
"We are meeting with our suppliers on domestic manufacturing and are making a strong commitment to move this forward," said Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill Simon said.
A popular misconception about Walmart is where the majority of the products on its shelves are sourced. "And I know according to urban legend Walmart's shelves are filled with foreign products," said Simon.
"According to data from our suppliers, items that are made here, sourced here, or grown here account for about two-thirds of what we spend to buy products at Walmart U.S," said Simon. "But of course there's room for more."
Beginning Memorial Day, Walmart will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran in his or her first 12 months off active duty, the company said.
The company said it will sign longer-term purchase agreements when it makes sense to give suppliers the certainty to invest here.
Simon announced the plans at the National Retail Federation's (NRF) annual convention in New York.
The stock, which has been trading in the 52-week range of $57.18 to $77.60, shed 0.01 percent to trade at $68.29 on Tuesday.