Sales were up at Wal-Mart Stores in the United States in January.
Same-store sales, excluding petrol, were up by 2.1% as shoppers stocked up on food and other necessities.
Wal-Mart said demand was strong for both frozen meals and cooking equipment.
It also reported a rise in sales of flat-screen televisions, as consumers increased their focus on at-home entertainment.
Costco earlier this week reported a 2% fall in sales.
