Ahead Of The Bell: Wal-Mart Shareholders' Meeting

ANNE D'INNOCENZIO

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — With Wal-Mart Stores Inc. among the few bright spots in retailing, shareholders will have reason to cheer as they descend at the world's largest retailer's annual meeting Friday.

But they will also be looking to hear more specifics from executives about how the discounter will thrive and retain its new shoppers once the economy recovers.

Wal-Mart has been rapidly gaining market share and customers around the globe as its renewed emphasis on low pricing and the right mix of marketing and merchandise have come together just as the economy began to sour. ...