Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) implemented another phase of its low-price prescription drug program this week, and as usual competitor Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) followed suit with price reductions of its own. In addition to offering a 30-day supply of many popular generic prescription drugs for $4, Wal-Mart is now offering a 90-day supply for $10. And so is Target.

Is Target just trying to keep up, or does it see a benefit in matching drug price cuts by its larger competitor? In response to the price cuts, Target said that it "understands the challenges guests are facing in the current economic environment." It probably planned to make these price cuts as soon as Wal-Mart did and gain the same kind of free PR that comes with such a drastic price reduction in something that millions of Americans now depend on.

But Target does not position itself as the "low price" leader like Wal-Mart does. Its marketing is more upscale, and so is the appearance of its stores -- even while carrying much of the same merchandise. So why is Target matching these prescription drug price cuts? Is it trying to take customers from Wal-Mart? Of course -- the two are fierce competitors even though marketing and merchandise presentation strategies are what I'd consider to be worlds apart. Sometimes, price is everything.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has added another 11 states to its discount generic prescription drugs program. The nation's (and world's) largest retailer said that it will be adding an additional 17 generic prescription drugs to the program as well.

This brings the total to 3,000 Wal-Mart stores in 38 states that now offer the 30% to 40% discount on 331 generic prescription drugs. The new states that were added today included Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Washington and West Virginia.

Wal-Mart is offering a $4 price for a 30-day supply of some popular generic prescription drugs. The 331 drugs offered under the program includes some drugs more than once if they are sold in a variety of dosages or solid and liquid forms -- as many drugs are. With Wal-Mart rapidly expanding its timetable and available states now, what perfect timing for the headaches and stress of the holiday rush, eh?