More coverage of the subject can be found at:

The Brand Man Speaks
“The problem is that loyal lower income consumers who are the backbone of WalMart’s success are being left behind daily. In addition to elimination of the lay-away program, product areas these consumers enjoyed including the fabric department are also being eliminated and replaced by more “upscale” goods of little interest to or affordable by these customers. Despite repeated failures in the upscale apparel arena, WalMart seems intent on forging some sort of game plan to win over higher income shoppers and completely undermine their brand strategy.”

MSNBC – Layaway, other changes irk Wal-Mart Loyalists

Petition Online – 36464 Signatures to keep Walmart Layaway

A study conducted last year by the National Retail Federation shows the average first-year college student spent $1,112.62, mainly on electronics and home furnishings.  Walmart hopes to capitalize on this and it’s new “Site to Store” offering which allows consumers to order on the web and pick up in the store. 

 So far the Facebook app has gained 661 members, although this doesn’t show how many people used the app without joining the group.   It’s also interesting at how many negative posts have been made about Walmart on their “Wall”.  The “Wall” is a built in application in Facebook which allows users to leave graffiti like messages on the user/group’s profile page.  The negative messages range from comments about the quality of Walmart’s merchandising to their workplace practices. 

 I’m not sure if this can be considered a sucess or not.  It would be interesting to see what results someone like Target would have if they made a similar offering. 

 Update:  Up to 1062 users.  More comments and coverage on the story below.

Forrester -Charlene Li
WalMart’s Facebook Strategy Sinking: Analysis and Reccomendations
Facebook Takes Over the Retail World – Retail Design Diva