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CHICAGO (Reuters) -
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Saturday maintained its December forecast for 2 percent to 4 percent sales growth at its U.S. stores open at least a year.
On a recorded message detailing sales through Friday, the world's biggest retailer said demand for groceries outstripped general merchandise sales in the latest week, and the South was its strongest sales region.
December is typically the busiest month for retailers with the holiday season in full swing. Wal-Mart (Research) has reported a strong holiday shopping season so far, helped by its aggressive advertising campaign and deep discounts.
The next big test will come on the last Saturday before Christmas, which falls on Christmas Eve this year. Wal-Mart expects that to be the busiest shopping day of the year, and has promised steep markdowns.
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Click here for Wal-Mart's reaction to a religious-overtoned protest.
Click here to see Wal-Mart's holiday rush outlook.
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