Walmart may be the nation’s largest grocer, but it’s not because of the compelling presentation of fresh produce or appetizing meats. The stuff is cheap, sure, but the quality isn’t always there, and even when it is, the manner in which products are packaged and merchandised detracts from quality perception. Then there are the issues that arise with so many shoppers, not to mention their unattended kids, pawing through displays of tomatoes, bell peppers and grapes. Items get bruised, or roll on the floor and get run over by carts. In short order the most meticulous presentation of produce is destroyed and Walmart’s labor model doesn’t allow for the constant vigilance that is required to maintain the type of presentation standards needed to project a quality image.

Meat is another issue.

A new Harris Poll EquiTrend study out this week shows Target, not Walmart, as the Value Retail Brand of the Year.

The shifting of Easter to April this year impacted the warehouse club sector last month, as both Costco and BJ’s reported March comps that were negatively impacted by the calendar change.

Walmart announced that, through the Walmart Foundation, it has donated $319 million in cash and $480 million in in-kind contributions around the globe during the fiscal year ending Jan. 31.