Its sales and market share expanding as the global recession deepens, Wal-Mart is handing out approximately $2 billion in bonuses and other financial incentives to its hourly employees in the United States. American consumers, their household budgets limited by the current financial situation, are turning to Wal-Mart's steep discounts in growing numbers, prompting the retailer to expand its operations.
See "Wal-Mart awarding $2B to U.S. hourly employees, report says", USA Today, March 19, 2009