BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

As part of Walmart’s continued focus on improving and enhancing the store experience for customers, the company recently awarded more than $200 million in second quarter cash bonuses to more than 900,000 hourly associates across the United States.

The bonuses, which were based on stores’ performances from May through July of this year, are part of an overall incentive plan designed to reward associates whose stores have met their performance and customer service goals. Eligible associates can earn these bonuses four times a year.

“Whether it’s buying something for their kids, treating themselves or saving for something great, bonus time at Walmart is always a special time for our associates,” said Mike Moore, executive vice president of Supercenters for Walmart U.S.

“Our people have always been the most important part of our business and they continue to do amazing things for our customers,” said Julie Murphy, executive vice president of Neighborhood Markets for Walmart U.S. “Sam Walton built this business on the idea of sharing profits with our associates and treating them as partners.”

Walmart’s Investment in our Associates

• In 2015, Walmart announced a two-year, $2.7 billion investment in our associates. The commitment includes investments in education, training and higher wages. As a result, more than 1.2 million Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club associates received pay increases on the same day earlier this year. The second quarter bonuses are not part of the $2.7 billion.
• Associate training is a key component of Walmart’s associate investment strategy. This year Walmart announced plans to open 200 Academies across the U.S. designed to teach advanced retail skills to department managers and hourly supervisors. More than 140,000 associates are expected to go through the training program each year.
• Walmart is investing in training at all levels of its stores. In February the company rolled out its Pathways training program for all entry-level workers, providing training, education and opportunities for associates, offering them a clearer career path from entry level positions to jobs with more responsibility and higher pay.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, we serve nearly 260 million customers who visit our 11,504 stores under 65 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2015 revenue of $486 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

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