Low, low prices: Target beats Wal-Mart

       Two recent price comparisons of grocery and household goods revealed that Target's prices are lower than at No. 1 retailer Wal-Mart.  35 brand-name items sold at Wal-Mart and Target stores in New York, Indiana and North Carolina were compared. They consisted of 22 common grocery goods such as milk, cereal and rice; 10 general merchandise products such as clothing and home furnishings; and three health and beauty items. Target's shopping cart rang in at $269.13 (pre-tax), a hair lower than the $271.07 charged at Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart typically maintains a 2% to 4% price advantage over Target.