Originally Posted by NY Times

October 19, 2006
Wal-Mart to Expand Discount Drug Plan
By THE NEW YORK TIMES

Wal-Mart Stores, which has begun selling generic versions of prescription drugs for $4 in Florida, will expand the program to more than a dozen states months ahead of schedule, people briefed on the matter said yesterday.

The company, the nation’s largest retailer, is expected to announce today that it will sell the discounted drugs in New York, Texas, Oregon, Arizona, Vermont and North Carolina, among other states, these people said.

Under the program, Wal-Mart will sell monthlong doses of about 150 separate medicines for $4.

On average, generic drugs cost between $10 and $30 for a 30-day prescription.

Wal-Mart originally said it would consider expanding the program beyond Florida after January, but in response to strong demand and a positive response from elected leaders, it has rushed to introduce it across the country.

Separately, Wal-Mart said it would immediately cut the prices of 100 popular toys more than two months before Christmas.

The price cuts — including discounts of more than $20 on products like an electronic doll called Amazing Amanda — represent the opening shot in the holiday toy price wars.