Wal-Mart Sales Rise

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, said November sales rose 1.5 percent as shoppers stocked up on holiday food and gifts. The sales were within the company's forecast of unchanged to up 2 percent at locations open at least a year. Same store sales may increase from 1 percent to 3 percent this month, the Bentonville, Arkansas based company said. Wal-Mart increased post-Thanksgiving discounts to lure shoppers hit by higher gasoline, housing and food costs.