By George Anderson
Last week's announcement of the promotion of Tom Coughlin to executive vice president and vice chairman of Wal-Mart's US store and online operations will result in closer ties between the company's various units.
A Wal-Mart company spokesperson told InternetRetailer.com, "This shows the validation of WalMart.com as a viable business unit and will further integrate the offline and online channels."
Moderator's Comment: What will be the effect of Wal-Mart better integrating its offline and online businesses?
A Wal-Mart by any name (Supercenter, Neighborhood Market, Sam's, etc.) is still Wal-Mart as far as the consumer is concerned. [George Anderson - Moderator]