Walmart displays emphasize 'family night'

Mega-retailer Walmart has already rolled out one recession-driven ad blitz, in which it emphasizes how families can make homemade meals for just a few dollars per person. Now it's continuing its value push with areas in all stores dedicated to "family night."

The themed displays draw heavily upon the existing "Family Game Night" concept from Hasbro, and board games play a big part, but Walmart is pairing the games with snacks, drinks and DVDs, aiming to be a one-stop shop for parents looking for an alternative to a night at the movies or the mall.

The company also has a new "Family Moments" section at its web site, where shoppers can leave tips for other parents and read reviews of the games available. The web site also markets a handful of pre-selected family-friendly video games.