Hispanic Boom Sparks Wal-Mart Turn to Tacos

Ad Age ^ | 5/19/2008 | Emily Bryson York

[outfield]

In a move that reflects the changing demographics of its shoppers, Wal-Mart is making room for three new chains in its stores, two of which have a Hispanic flair.

While their footprint within Wal-Mart will be small compared with Subway and McDonald's, the additions of Pollo Campero and Taco Maker are significant, since they represent the first ethnic concepts to score franchise agreements with the big-box retailer.

"I think that [Wal-Mart is] looking to offer diversity, variety for the customer and products that are relevant for them," said Rodolfo Jimenez, exec VP-business development, Pollo Campero USA. His company opened its first Wal-Mart location in Rowlett, Texas, this month and expects to be in 20 stores by the end of 2009, with the goal of appearing in stores nationwide.

[outfield]

China-Mart seals a deal with Mexico. Interesting.

[Mr. Mojo]

Eating a Chinese-Mexican taco is like playing Russian Roulette.

[devane617]

Just opened a hugh WMT here in Garland TX that is a Mexican store. They took a normal store that would be built in Mexico, and built it in Garland. I suspect the next CEO of CMT will be hispanic.

[Hazwaste]

Just opened a hugh WMT here in Garland TX that is a Mexican store.

Are you series?

[Sybeck1]

We call it Mexi-Mart here in Southaven MS.

[TLI]

Are you series?

Yep. It's hugh.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Wal-Martinez

[Pilated]

The Walmart here in Shelton, WA is like a Mexican Store. Most of the products have the foreign language showing rather than the English. I won't buy the product if it's this way, I go across the street to Fred Meyers where at least I can see more of my English language.

[Ben Ficklin]

What is WMT and CMT?

[scan59]

Just opened a hugh WMT here in Garland TX that is a Mexican store. They took a normal store that would be built in Mexico, and built it in Garland. I suspect the next CEO of CMT will be hispanic.

I went to the new Garland, TX Wal-Mart this weekend, and didn't see it being a mexican store. Yes, 75% of the shoppers were mexican, but the decor was standard Wal-Mart. (Actually the layout is a little nicer than their standard big-box setup.)

[whipitgood]

Our local WalMart has the occasional display directed at Hispanics. It keeps getting vandalized. Not sure who is doing it or why this is happening.

[onedoug]

Is the meat from China too?

[massgopguy]

Mexicans don’t eat Tacos. Southern Californian American Teenagers do.

[Jeff Chandler]

This is America! They should be serving English food.

On second thought...

[B Knotts]

Mexicans don’t eat Tacos.

Huh?

Do you know any Mexicans?

Granted, they eat real tacos...not the stuff they sell at Taco Bell, etc.

[Vaduz]

Real tacos with dog meat.

[Domangart]

Corn smut or cow eyes for that Taco?

[Jeff Chandler]

Mexicans? ... Granted, they eat real tacos...not the stuff they sell at Taco Bell, etc.

They eat at Taco Bell, too.

[C19fan]

What is funny Pollo Campero is most famous for its fried chicken. Campero’s mother country is Guatemala. It is very good and much better than KFC.

What is funny Pollo Campero is most famous for its fried chicken. Campero’s mother country is Guatemala. It is very good and much better than KFC.