Walmart: Customers want to get out and shop, says boss

US customers "clearly want to get out and shop", the boss of Walmart has said after the world's biggest retailer reported stronger sales than expected.

Walmart chief executive Doug McMillion said optimism had grown since the start of the year and the retail giant raised its full-year profit forecast.

Spending had been boosted by stimulus cheques the government sent to most Americans, Walmart said

US like-for-like sales in the February-April period rose 6% from a year ago.

Sales across the whole group rose by 2.75% to $138.3bn (£97.3bn), beating analysts' expectations.

"This was a strong quarter," said Mr McMillion.

"Every segment performed well, and we're encouraged by traffic and grocery market share trends.

"We anticipate continued pent-up demand throughout 2021," he added.

The Arkansas-based retailer said people were spending more after many received additional $1,400 stimulus cheques as part of a US coronavirus recovery package approved in early March.

Sales of non-food items such as clothes, electronics and toys jumped by 20% as a result.