So why doesn't pet department have 12 associates tripping over each other like electronics?

 

So what are all those millions of Wal-Mart customers buying? A lot of pet food, for starters. In the year ended June 14, Wal-Mart shoppers spent $4.2 billion on Fido's food -- that's almost twice as much as was spent on cheese. Let's not forget toys, clothes, beds, bowls and all other goodies bought for those furry friends. Pet care products pulled $1.6 billion in the same period.

Wal-Mart increased its number of pet supply shoppers by 41 percent during the past two years, according to Nielsen.

Pet food sales posted roughly the same amount Wal-Mart shoppers spent on computers and electronics. Products in that category, led by DVD sales but getting a big bump from flat-panel TVs, sold $4.8 billion.