Wal-Mart's July Quarter Sales Hurt By China's Austerity Drive

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said same-store sales in China decreased 1.6 percent for the quarter ending July 2014, compared with the same period in 2013. Wal-Mart Asia president Scott Price said the decline in sales was caused by lower sales of gift cards, moon cakes, and other products commonly used in gift giving in the country. China's campaign against lavish spending is discouraging government and business leaders from buying expensive goods. Also, growing competition from local retailers and e-commerce companies is also hurting Wal-Mart's revenue in the country.