Wal-Mart in the News--and a local twist (sort of)

In case you haven't seen this yet, Wal-Mart has figured out that it just may pay to offer Latino-cized stores in two big Hispanic markets, Phoenix and Houston, as they continue to target high-growth markets. The name: Supermercado de Walmart.

The company's B2B membership retailer, Sam's Club, will be following suit, with Más Club (More Club?). Check out this article.

In a local twist that's only slightly related, Paula Rosecky of Hemispheres, a research consultancy, took this photo at a Wal-Mart on a recent trip to Mexico.

Just another example of why language professionals should *always* be involved, no matter what you're putting out there for the public.

Don't Use Internet Translations

We're here in the office, enjoying some of Anna's Almond Cinnamon Thins (Delgaditas sabor canela y almendra) and noticed something interesting!

In English, the box warns
MAY CONTAIN: Milk ingredients, peanuts, shellfish, sesame seeds, eggs. (Shellfish? Really?)

The Spanish translation?
MAYO CONTIENE ....

And as all Spanish speakers will realize from this example, this is why you should never, ever use an Internet translation or count on anything less than a native Speaker and professional translator for your packaging and other business communications.