Walmart’s Great Value Revamp: Great Timing

Much is being said about Walmart’s decision to revamp its Great Value private label in food, mostly about what it should look like and which brands would be worthy of imitating (Kirkland is a clear winner on that front).  I’m thinking more about timing . . . Walmart is upping the anty in an already-strong category just as Target is trying to remedy its food mistakes of the past. While Target was busy creating groovy designer alliances in discretionary categories, Walmart’s food advantage and clear non-discretionary value proposition made all the difference as gas prices hit all-time highs and with the recession hitting harder than ever. Target is laser focused on getting food right, particularly on the perishable and private label side; Walmart is smart to preemptively upgrade its offering, position for the pull-out and gird against potential market share gains by Target!