US general retailer Walmart has increased its share of the toy market.
According to The NPD Group data for the three-month period ending December 31st, 2012, Walmart "improved market share in toys and the Walmart entertainment categories".
Consolidated net sales reached $466.1 billion in 2012, an increase of more than $22 billion, or growth of five per cent.
Consolidated operating income was $27.8 billion, a 4.7 per cent rise year-on-year.
Walmart's fiscal year 2014 dividend stands at $1.88 per share, an 18 per cent increase over the year prior.
Walmart owns UK supermarket Asda, which saw like-for-like sales rise one per cent during 2012 (excluding petrol).
Asda’s president and CEO Andy Clarke said: “We’re pleased with our results in a tough market. We continued to grow our sales while also investing in holding down the price of essentials, increasing access points to Asda’s value and putting money back in customers’ pockets when they need it the most.
“Our multichannel, George and general merchandise are all performing well. We have seen online clothing sales growing faster than the market, with our biggest online Christmas ever.
Walmart International President and CEO Doug McMillon added: "E-commerce continues to grow in the UK and our customers are using online and mobile for more of their purchases. This was our strongest online Christmas season, backed with excellent merchandise availability and service levels.
"As part of our investment in global eCommerce, we invested more in the UK, offering more convenient ways to shop through mobile apps and the expansion of Click and Collect for both grocery and general merchandise. More than half of our online general merchandise customer base now regularly shop Asda this way.
"Looking ahead, we expect the market to remain tough in 2013 for our consumers. The marketplace remains very competitive, which is good for the customers and keeps us sharp. We are confident that our our message continues to build loyalty and market share.”
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