Walmart's Best Deal: A Free Talent Show

In article, "Wal-Mart's Best Deal: A Free Talent Show", authors Kyle Stock and Susan Berfield discussed why so many celebrities showed up at the annual shareholders meeting of Wal-Mart and how this meeting affects Wal-Mart and these celebrities themselves.

It is usually hard to relate big Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise to a shareholders meeting of the world's biggest retailer like Wal-Mart. As one of the most famous retailer in the world, Wal-Mart knows that advertising and publicity are huge part of its success and pays concerned about its overall reputation. Why doesn't Wal-Mart just hold a meeting with big shareholders and top executives? What can Wal-Mart gain from a shareholders meeting that is filled with celebrities? I think this shareholders meeting not just a normal meeting for Wal-Mart but also a planned promotion strategy. First of all, the meeting gets instant attention not only from finance people but also from normal people who just like to see their favorite stars. Normally, a company's shareholders meeting doesn't get too much attention is because it's not directly affecting customer. This news could appear on many other entertainment pages because of these celebrities. Second, since products like movies, TV shows and music are sold in non-digital way such as disc; a meeting like this can increase Wal-Mart sales of entertainment product. Third, as a part of Wal-Mart's publicity, this meeting shall build its reputation on the market and increase the confidence on its shareholders. On the other hand, these celebrities can also benefit from attending Wal-Mart's meeting. They get the chance to promote their newest movies or albums. The different business areas like the retailer business and entertainment business can be cooperated in order to gain interests for both parties.