Wal-Mart to celebrate Three Kings in outreach to Hispanic shoppers

-- Home Textiles Today, 12/29/2008 2:25:00 PM

Bentonville, Ark., -- Tapping into a Hispanic holiday tradition, the Three Kings will be make guest appearances in more than 480 Walmart stores across the nation on Jan. 3 and 4.

“Walmart is committed to serving its customers' needs and the Hispanic community by recognizing Hispanic holidays such as Three Kings Day with traditional foods, customs and products," said Laura Phillips, vice president and divisional merchandise manager of toys.

Customers will have the opportunity to meet the Three Kings in person and have a picture taken with them. Children will also be able to write their own letters to the Three Kings via a postcard template, which is available on AhorraMasViveMejor.com. The Web site will also feature a list of the Three Kings' appearances nationwide; customers can search for locations and times by zip code.

In addition, online users will find seasonal articles about the tradition and celebration of the Three Kings, recipes for the special occasion, plus arts and crafts ideas provided by Nick Jr., featuring Dora and Diego.

Walmart will offer Rosca de Reyes, also known as the Hispanic holiday Kings Cake. The traditional cake, produced in Mexico for this special occasion, will be offered in most stores.

Although Three Kings Day celebrations differ from place to place, Jan. 6 is the official day of the Christian holiday of the Epiphany. The story foretells the visit by the three kings who had followed a star in the night to bring gifts to the infant Jesus.