In this photo taken Oct. 13, 2011, guests attending a preview of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art stand beneath curved wooden beams and skylights in Eleven Restaurant at the museum in Bentonville, Ark. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art was created using pieces acquired by Wal-Mart heir Alice Walton, who wanted to build something important in her hometown of Bentonville. The Moshe Safdie-designed museum is scheduled to open Nov. 11. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
David W. Wilmot (right), a power broker in the District since Marion Barry was first elected mayor, lobbies for Wal-Mart and has ties to city-owned land where a store is to be built. (The Washington Times)
This government-owned lot at the intersection of New Jersey Avenue and H Street Northwest has allowed the Bennett Group to collect tax-free rent for years. It is now proposed for a multimillion-dollar project that includes a Wal-Mart. (T.J. Kirkpatrick/The Washington Times)
A vendor waits for customers at the Gascasonica market. Mexico City's neighborhood markets offer abundant fresh produce at low prices, but chains such as Wal-Mart are seen as safer, more convenient and cleaner. (Associated Press)
Wal-Mart is rolling out a layaway option from Oct. 17 through Dec. 16 after ending the pay-as-you-go plans in 2006. The company is introducing the option at a time when many of its shoppers are trying to cope with high unemployment and rising costs. (Associated Press)
A shopper pushes her cart through the parking lot of a Wal-Mart in Little Rock, Ark., on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
** FILE ** As part of first lady Michelle Obama's nationwide campaign to lower childhood obesity rates, Wal-Mart and other retailers plan over the next five years to open or expand 1,500 stores in areas without easy access to fresh produce and other healthy foods. "This is a really big deal," Mrs. Obama said. (Associated Press)
After largely avoiding labor-based controversy, Target is facing the same union opposition that has plagued rival Wal-Mart. Target had its first union election in two decades in June at a Valley Stream, N.Y., store, after employees made allegations of skimpy wages and reduced hours. (Associated Press)
Wal-Mart employee Betty Dukes was involved in a sex-discrimination lawsuit against the retail giant that the Supreme Court on Monday ruled could not proceed. (Associated Press)
