History of Walmart
Walmart, founded by Sam Walton in 1962, has grown from a single discount store in Rogers, Arkansas,
to the world's largest retailer by revenue and one of the most influential corporations globally.
Walton's vision was to offer everyday low prices and exceptional customer service, which fueled
Walmart's rapid expansion across the United States. By 1970, Walmart had 38 stores and continued to
grow through the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a publicly traded company in 1972.
Throughout
the
1990s and 2000s, Walmart expanded internationally, first into Mexico in 1991 and then into Canada
and China. Its strategy of offering a wide variety of products at low prices resonated with
consumers worldwide, propelling Walmart to dominate the global retail landscape. Walmart has faced
criticism and controversy over the years, particularly concerning labor practices and its impact on
local economies. However, it has also been praised for its efficiency, logistics, and pioneering
efforts in retail technology.
Today, Walmart operates more than 11,000 stores under 56
banners
in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. It remains a dominant force in the retail
industry, continually innovating to maintain its competitive edge and adapting to changing consumer
needs and expectations.