Wal-Mart (WMT) seeing shift in consumer buying habits

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) could be seen as a nurse taking the pulse of the U.S. economy. When the retailer says that the purchasing habits of U.S. consumers are changing, every executive from just about every industry should pay attention.

Wal-Mart U.S. chief Eduardo Castro-Wright told USA Today that shoppers at Wal-Mart stores are cutting credit card use, among other "disturbing behaviors" the retailer is witnessing among its U.S. consumer base. He said that the Q2 period in 2008 saw a double-digit decline in credit card use at Wal-Mart compared to the same period in 2007, which saw a double-digit increase in credit card use. Remember - the second quarter ended in June 2008. We all know where the U.S. economy has gone since then.

Castro-Wright added that "credit has been declining dramatically . . . that decline in credit means people have to make choices about how they spend their hard-earned money." This is true, and Wal-Mart's marketing tag line -- "Save Money. Live Better" -- fits right in with Castro-Wright's words.

Although Wal-Mart's regular shoppers aren't making shopping visits as frequently, some consumer segments may be coming in more frequently (but spending less). Regardless, Wal-Mart's age-old positioning around low retail prices will continue to bolster the company. There is no way -- zero chance -- that the company won't continue to benefit as U.S. consumers become so careful about parting with those dollar bills.