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Another ``impulse'' offering is
being added to the checkout lines at about 35 Wal-Mart stores
across the country -- McDonald's Extra Value Meals.
In addition to candy, gum, breath mints, horoscope books and magazines, customers can buy the Extra Value Meals -- consisting of a sandwich, french fries and a drink -- and pay for them at the Wal-Mart checkout. ``We are looking for additional ways that we can give added convenience to our customers,'' Chuck Scott, McDonald's assistant vice president for restaurant development, said in a telephone interview. With the ``check-through'' program, customers don't even have to leave the checkout line to get their food. It is delivered to them before they leave the store. Under an alliance between Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's Corp. and Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., McDonald's already has restaurants inside of more than 700 Wal-Mart stores across the country. At this point, the check-through program involves only 35 of the sites. The check-through program began in Sacramento, Calif., nearly two years ago and has spread to various sites across the country since then. While the program remains a test, more store sites are being considered, Scott said. ``If it's something that works for customers and franchisees, we'd be looking to expand it,'' he added. |