Wal-Mart to launch smartphone trade-in program

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is launching a smartphone trade-in program later this month that will help consumers trade up to the newest phones available.

The world’s biggest retailer said Tuesday that consumers will receive a credit from $50 to $300 when they trade in their working, undamaged phone. The credit can be used toward the purchase of a new phone, with a selection of more than 100 devices to choose from. This includes some smartphones with prepaid plans.

Wal-Mart said that consumers can receive $300 credit for an Apple iPhone 5, $175 for a Samsung Galaxy SIII and $52 for a Samsung Galaxy S2.

Phones can be traded in at the electronics departments of more than 3,600 participating Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations in the U.S. Consumers will need to enter a two-year contract for the new phone with AT&T, Verizon Wireless or Sprint.

Steve Bratspies, executive vice president of general merchandise for Walmart U.S., said in a statement that trade-in programs are becoming more popular as new devices launch more frequently and that shoppers are using the trade-in programs that will give them the biggest credit for their current phone.

The program starts on Sept. 21.

Wal-Mart Stores, based in Bentonville, Ark., has 10,995 stores in 27 countries. It had fiscal 2013 sales of about $466 billion.