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"Gone are the pallets of merchandise that clogged the main aisles. The navy-colored signs have been replaced by a soft blue. Food offerings have tripled. And merchandise shelves are so low, shoppers can stand in one corner of the store and see across nearly every department. The overhaul is part of Project Impact, a five-year, companywide effort launched last year. The strategy aims not just to make stores look cleaner and more open but to fine-tune vast product offerings and reframe the way Wal-Mart Stores Inc. markets itself to consumers." In many ways, Wal-Mart has become more like its top competitor — Target Corp.

The strategy comes at a key time. During a persistent downturn, Wal-Mart has continued to outperform nearly all retailers, including Target, as well as stores that aim for a piece of its business, such as Best Buy, Toys R Us and even smaller specialty chains such as crafts store chain Michaels.

"Now the fight is on to keep those shoppers."
 Man, if those aren't words to live by.

Check out the full scope of this article about WalMart's bright new in-store look.