Hundreds of thousands join Wal-Mart's pledge to "keep mum"

    Canadian Harry Potter fans remain vigilant to
    show support to keep book's ending a secret

    MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 18 /CNW/ - In spite of recent 'spoiler' attempts to
disclose the ending of the final Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows, Wal-Mart Canada today announced more than 2,700 Canadians
have pledged online at www.walmart.ca to not spoil the ending for others.
Around the globe, more than 17,000 Harry Potter enthusiasts have pledged
online to a vow of silence as well. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of
Wal-Mart associates in stores worldwide, including Wal-Mart associates across
Canada, pledged to stay silent about the book's ending until after its July 21
release. The pledge is in direct response to a request by the book's author,
JK Rowling, to help keep the final tale a special discovery for all readers.
    "While it's disappointing that some may choose not to honour the request
of fans worldwide to keep the ending a surprise, at Wal-Mart Canada our
associates are encouraged and amazed by the enthusiasm Canadians have shown to
join them to not spoil the ending for others," said Dave Kish, Wal-Mart Canada
book buyer. "As excitement in our stores builds for Saturday's release, we're
anticipating early morning line-ups and our associates are more committed than
ever to ensuring the final chapters of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
remain a special adventure for readers young and old."
    Wal-Mart associates in stores across Canada invite the community to join
them by making a personal pledge online at www.walmart.ca. By taking the
pledge, Harry Potter fans in cities and communities coast-to-coast will show
their solidarity and support for Harry Potter enthusiasts nationwide,
emphasizing the importance to not spoil the ending for others.Harry Potter and the Wal-Mart Pledge
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                    There's plenty of excitement brewing,
                       As the final chapter draws near;
                   But hearing the story's end from others,
                   Is what magicals and muggles all fear;
                   So at Wal-Mart worldwide we've decided,
               To make a pledge to our customers that's clear,
                We'll keep silent on what we discover July 21
                   So you buy without fear of reveal here.About Wal-Mart Canada Corp.

    Established in 1994 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Wal-Mart
Canada operates a growing network of 277 Wal-Mart discounts stores, seven
supercentres and six SAM'S CLUB locations. Since 2000, more than 100 Canadian
communities have lobbied or petitioned to have a Wal-Mart store built in their
towns. Every week in Canada, Wal-Mart raises and contributes more than
$290,000 to Canadian charities. Last year alone, the company raised and
donated more than $15 million to charities across the country. Throughout
Canada, Wal-Mart employs over 70,000 Canadians and has been consistently
ranked one of the best companies to work for in Canada by international
human-resources firm Hewitt Associates and Report on Business Magazine. A 2006
Synovate survey showed that 80 per cent of Canadians with a Wal-Mart store in
their community are glad we're there. For more information about the company,
Wal-Mart Canada's first Corporate Values Report is available at
www.walmart.ca.

    /NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on
    the CNW Photo Network and archived at http://photos.newswire.ca.
    Additional archived images are also available on the CNW Photo Archive
    website at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited
    members of the media/

For further information: Christi Gallagher, [phone], x. 4042