In Test, Wal-Mart to Sell Large GE Appliances

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it plans to start selling major home appliances at about a dozen stores by the end of the year in a test with General Electric Co. The world’s largest retailer will start selling GE refrigerators, ranges and other large appliances at four stores in Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma in the next two months and will add about eight stores in communities with growing housing starts or other signs of strong growth. The announcement comes a month after Circuit City said it will leave the major appliance business to concentrate on electronics and home office products. Wal-Mart shares rose 31 cents to close at $49.44 on the NYSE.