Many of us dread the Taxman. However, Wal-Mart
This year, Wal-Mart is one of a few retailers offering to cash tax refund checks, with the obvious hope that many of us are lazy enough to appreciate the one-stop shopping approach.
As for taxes and Wal-Mart, the behemoth already wants some of its customers to think of it when they think taxes, period. It already has some H&R Block
If Wal-Mart's talking a tax-boosted March, then investors might expect some other retailers to benefit. If electronics are a hot choice for spending tax refunds, one might wonder if some of those tax dollars might be taken to Circuit City
Today, however, many retailers' stocks fell, theoretically linked to Dollar General's
That may be true, but it remains to be seen whether most people who get tax refunds will turn around and buy electronics and other merchandise at Wal-Mart before and after the April 15 tax deadline.
And Wal-Mart tends to be one of the places to look for clues of consumer sentiment. So, watch for any signs that cautious sentiment seems to be brewing. After all, the Madrid bombings and repeated data supporting continued slim pickings when it comes to new jobs might be grating on some nerves. Let's hope some people don't start thinking the mattress is the best place for their refund dollars.
Will people continue to take their refunds to Wal-Mart as tax season continues? Or will they spread the joy around to many retailers, or (gasp!) maybe even save some of that money? Talk about the outlook on the Wal-Mart discussion board.
Alyce Lomax does not own shares of any companies mentioned.