(CNN)-The supply chain crisis has not slowed down Wal-Mart's pace.

America’s largest retailer and consumer spending leader reported strong sales growth in the most recent quarter. The company has also increased its annual sales and profit growth rates, which shows that it expects holiday shopping to continue to be strong.

Wal-Mart said on Tuesday that in the three months ended October 31, sales of US stores that had been open for at least one year increased by 9.2% compared to the same period last year. The company has increased its full-year sales guidance and expects full-year sales to exceed 6%.

Wal-Mart uses its huge scale and influence to deal with supply chain and inflationary pressures.

Several large retail chains, including Wal-Mart, have rented their own ships to transport goods from Asia, stocked additional merchandise, and relied on strong financial resources and extensive supplier bases to adapt to supply constraints. For most small stores, these options are too expensive and unavailable. Compared with large competitors, these small stores generally have less financial flexibility in absorbing higher costs and lowering prices for customers.

Although many stores are struggling to obtain products, Wal-Mart’s inventory levels last quarter increased by 11.5% from the previous year because the company stocked up before the holidays.

Wal-Mart CEO Doug Macmillan said in a statement on Tuesday: "We have people, products and prices that can provide our customers and members with a great holiday."

Wal-Mart's stock rose slightly in pre-market trading.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2021 Wire News Network Corporation, Warner Media Corporation. all rights reserved.