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Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, can go ahead with its 17 billion rand ($2.2 billion) purchase of a controlling share of a South African chain, a South African regulatory appeals body said Friday. The Competition Appeal Court upheld a ruling last year by the Competition Tribunal, the government agency charged with promoting competition and protecting consumers.

Wal-Mart Stores plans to help its customers figure that out by adding a new green icon that reads "Great for You" to packaging of some of its house-brand foods. The green and white seal, which shows the stylized outline of a human figure with its arms spread toward the sky, is part of a multiyear campaign the world's largest retailer is undertaking to promote healthier products and fight childhood obesity.

Lots of people are down on Wal-Mart. Just a few days ago, on this very site, the case was made that the world's largest retailer will never be great again. Now, a rebuttal: Here's why Wal-Mart, whose stock has admittedly been underperforming of late, still has plenty of room to grow.

The retail giant will allow customers to snap up a flick while loading their electronic shopping carts with everything from clothes to tires. The move completes Walmart.com's integration of VUDU, and brings the world's largest public corporation by revenue into direct conflict with Netflix.

Great selection, low prices, and tolerable shopping conditions have long been recognized as Wal-Mart's winning formula. Fortunately, the company itself is starting to see it that way too. It hasn't been easy to attain, but Wal-Mart's self-knowledge should be good news for investors.

Online retailer Overstock.com ended its last fiscal year on a strong note, and now it's gearing up for an international expansion. Outspoken CEO Patrick Byrne discusses the company, as well as his views on sales tax, short selling and the economy.

Walmart on Thursday raised its annual dividend 21% to $1.46 after reporting a 27% increase in net income for the fourth quarter last month. But after missing its own revenue projection, will the retail giant be able to turn its U.S. business around this year?

Here's a freebie that's bound to save you moolah: Walmart announced free shipping on 60,000 holiday items, including electronics, video games, toys, jewelry and furniture. There is no minimum purchase amount and returns are free, too. The free shipping offer ends Dec. 20, 2010. Walmart estimates...

In a move targeted at online retail giant Amazon.com, Walmart.com on Thursday announced it's offering free shipping on nearly 60,000 gift items -- including popular toys and electronics -- through Dec. 20. Could the move start a free-shipping war?

Wal-Mart Stores, the world's largest retailer, is ending its 39-year-old policy of automatic profit sharing for employees. It's replacing the bonuses with retirement benefits which could increase employees' total compensation, but employees are only eligible if they pay into their plans.