Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has surpassed its goal to sell 100 million compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) by the end of 2007. Over the lifetime of the CFLs, Wal-Mart estimates that these energy-saving bulbs will have the effect of taking 700,000 cars off the road, or conserving the energy needed to power 450,000 single-family homes.
“We love the CFL and see the power this product has to unite consumers in the struggle against climate change. It makes sense for our customers because it saves them money and helps them live better,” said Andy Ruben, Wal-Mart vice president of strategy and sustainability. “This year’s incredible sales show that our customers make good choices when presented with products that are right for their families and the environment, and recognize that massive change is possible if each person commits an act as simple as changing a light bulb.”
“Our members have really responded to this product and have seen the value in switching their homes and businesses to CFLs,” said Greg Spragg, executive vice president of merchandising and replenishment, Sam’s Club. “Almost half of Sam’s Club’s CFL sales this year have been to our small business members and we thank them for their support. A typical small business can save as much as $1,325 per year in energy costs by switching to energy-saving CFLs. We would like to see all of our members realize those savings.”
The five states with the highest CFL sales are Texas, Florida, California, Illinois and Ohio.
Wal-Mart’s success can be attributed to the increased visibility it gave CFLS. It put an online savings calculator on the Sam’s Club Web site, increased shelf space and moved them to eye level, and offered a greater variety to choose from. It installed interactive displays in some Wal-Mart stores to allow customers to compare qualities and styles, and to demonstrate the potential savings associated with each type of CFL. The company also worked with manufacturers to lower the mercury content of the CFLs sold at Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Clubs, making them safer and more efficient.
Based on this success, Wal-Mart has developed its own private label line of CFLs. Its Great Value CFL bulbs will be cheaper than brand-name bulbs – a pack of four bulbs will cost $7.58, about half the price. CFLs now account for 15% of its light-bulb sales, up from 5% nine months ago.
A spokesperson for Philips Lighting Co., one of the top manufacturers of CFLs says that sales in North American have tripled in the past five years.
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