Speaking at an event in Beijing, Walmart president and CEO, Mike Duke, outlined Walmart's plans to create a more sustainable global supply chain.

"Today I'm proud to announce a series of steps and commitments that will make Walmart's supply chain, in the United States, here in China, and around the world, more sustainable," said Mike Duke, President and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "The impact of these commitments will be global and make a difference with products sold around the globe." 

In its annual meeting with analysts on Wednesday, Wal-Mart Stores U.S. president Bill Simon said the retailer would accelerate small-store growth stores and announced plans to have 500 Neighborhood Market stores and 12 Express stores by fiscal 2016. The latter would measure, on average, 10,000 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft.

“This gives us the opportunity to build more stores for less money," Simon said. Walmart currently operates 217 Neighborhood Markets and 10 Express stores.

Expectations are high that mobile payments represent the future of commerce, and a group of leading retailers this week formed a new organization to offer an alternative way to pay.

The group, Merchant Customer Exchange, will integrate a range of consumer offers, promotions and retail programs available via any smartphone. Participating retailers include Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Sears Holdings Corp. and Target. Additional members are expected to be announced in the coming months.  

The world’s largest retailer is taking steps to display its home improvement prowess through a digital marketing campaign centered on a “Projects Made Simple” area at Walmart.com.

A group of national retailers that includes Lowe’s, Home Depot and Walmart has joined with trucking companies and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the amount of diesel emissions at the nation’s ports.