VIZIO Intros LCD TVs in Wal-Mart

I read a statistic the other day that something like 90% of Americans have shopped at a Wal-Mart, which is something of an amazing fact (if true). VIZIO must have read the same thing because this morning the upstart flat-panel TV manufacturer announced the launch of its line of LCD TVs in Wal-Mart stores. The arrangement is a win-win for both companies as VIZIO gets distribution in the world's largest retailer while Wal-Mart can now offer one of the fastest-growing brands in the business.

I referred to VIZIO as an upstart -- which they are when compared to consumer electronics pioneers like Sony, Panasonic and, well, Pioneer -- but the company's flat-panel market share numbers are impressive. According to DisplaySearch data, VIZIO is the industry leader in the 37", 42", 47" and 60"+ flat panel market segments. This from a company most people had never heard of just a year or two ago.

Now that's an amazing statistic.