50 Facts About Walmart

The Birth of Walmart

Walmart's journey began in a small town in Arkansas. Let's dive into the early days of this retail giant.

1. Founding: Walmart was founded by Sam Walton on July 2, 1962, in Rogers, Arkansas.
2. Initial Store: The first Walmart store was opened at 719 W. Walnut Street in Rogers, Arkansas.
3. Name Inspiration: The name "Walmart" was inspired by Sol Price's FedMart, a discount department store chain.
4. Early Success: Within five years of its inception, Walmart expanded to 18 stores in Arkansas and reached $9 million in sales.
5. Expansion: By 1968, Walmart had opened its first stores outside Arkansas in Sikeston, Missouri, and Claremore, Oklahoma.

Walmart Goes Public

Walmart's growth wasn't just limited to opening new stores. It also made significant strides in the financial world.

6. Incorporation: Walmart was incorporated under Delaware General Corporation Law on October 31, 1969, and changed its name to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1970.
7. Public Listing: Walmart became a publicly traded company on October 1, 1970, and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT.
8. First Stock Split: The first stock split occurred in May 1971 at a market price of $47 per share (~$260.00 in 2023).

National Expansion

Walmart's footprint grew rapidly across the United States, marking its presence in various states.

9. National Expansion: By the early 1970s, Walmart was operating in five states: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
10. Texas Entry: Walmart expanded into Texas in 1975 with 125 stores and 7,500 employees, achieving total sales of $340.3 million (~$1.5 billion in 2023).
11. Illinois Entry: Walmart opened its first store in Illinois in the early 1970s, marking its entry into the Midwest.

Diversification and New Ventures

Walmart didn't just stick to retail. It ventured into various other sectors to diversify its offerings.

12. Sam's Club: The first Sam's Club opened in Oklahoma in 1983, targeting small businesses and individuals with a "members-only" retail model.
13. Supercenters: The first Walmart Supercenter opened in Washington, Missouri, in 1988, combining general merchandise with a full-scale supermarket.
14. Pharmacy and Services: Walmart launched its pharmacy division in 1978 and introduced auto service centers and jewelry divisions in the same year.

Going Global

Walmart's ambitions weren't confined to the U.S. It aimed to conquer international markets as well.

15. Global Expansion: By 1990, Walmart had become the largest retailer in the U.S. and began expanding internationally, opening stores in Mexico City and later in the U.K., Germany, China, and Canada.
16. International Ventures: Despite some mixed results, Walmart's international ventures have been successful in Canada, the U.K., and China, but failed in Germany, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Argentina.
17. Sales Growth: By 1990, US sales had quadrupled to $32 billion over the previous five years.
18. Acquisitions: In 1990, Walmart acquired The McLane Company, a food service distributor, which was later sold to Berkshire Hathaway in 2003.
19. Connecticut Entry: Walmart expanded into Connecticut in 1991, marking its entry into the Northeast.
20. Global Reach: By 1991, Walmart had opened its first store outside the U.S. in Mexico City and acquired Western Merchandisers, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas.

Innovations and Milestones

Walmart has always been at the forefront of innovation, constantly evolving to meet customer needs.

21. Optical and Pharmacy Services: Walmart launched its optical services in 1991, further expanding its healthcare offerings.
22. Sam Walton’s Legacy: Sam Walton passed away in 1992, but his legacy continued to shape Walmart’s mission of saving people money so they can live better.
23. Rob Walton’s Leadership: After Sam Walton’s death, Rob Walton became the chairman of the board, ensuring continuity in leadership.
24. Global Sales Milestone: By 1997, Walmart reached $100 billion in sales, cementing its position as one of the world’s largest retailers.
25. Employee Milestone: By 1999, Walmart had 1.14 million employees, making it the largest employer in the world.
26. Black Friday Sales Record: In 2002, Walmart set a new record with single-day sales totaling $1.43 billion on Black Friday.
27. Record Profits: In 2005, Walmart achieved record profits with $312 billion in sales and over 1.6 million employees.
28. Store Count: By 2005, Walmart operated over 3,800 stores globally, employing nearly 2 million associates.

Sustainability and Technology

Walmart has made significant strides in sustainability and technology to stay ahead in the retail game.

29. Sustainability Efforts: Walmart has been actively involved in sustainability efforts, aiming to reduce its environmental impact through initiatives like reducing energy consumption and waste.
30. E-commerce Integration: Walmart has integrated e-commerce into its operations, offering online shopping options and same-day delivery services to enhance customer convenience.
31. Store Format Evolution: Over the years, Walmart has evolved its store formats from traditional discount stores to Supercenters, which include a wide range of services like pharmacies, optical centers, and grocery sections.
32. Community Involvement: Walmart is deeply involved in community activities, supporting local charities and initiatives through its foundation.
33. Employee Benefits: Walmart offers various employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and educational assistance programs to support its large workforce.
34. Supply Chain Management: Walmart is known for its efficient supply chain management, which allows it to maintain low prices by reducing costs and improving logistics.
35. Private Label Brands: Walmart has a range of private label brands, such as Great Value and Sam’s Choice, which offer affordable alternatives to national brands.
36. Technology Integration: Walmart has been at the forefront of technology integration in retail, using data analytics and AI to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
37. Store Layout Innovations: The company has introduced innovative store layouts, including the famous "Action Alley" where volume-producing items are stacked floor to ceiling to maximize space and reduce costs.

Customer-Centric Approach

Walmart's focus has always been on providing the best value to its customers.

38. Customer Focus: Walmart’s customer-centric approach is reflected in its slogan "Save Money. Live Better," which encapsulates its mission of providing affordable products to customers.
39. Store Count Milestone: By 1992, Walmart had over 1,200 stores operating globally, employing 371,000 associates.
40. Canada Expansion: In 1994, Walmart expanded into Canada by purchasing 122 Woolco stores.
41. China Entry: In 1996, Walmart launched its first store in China, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion.
42. Store Format Innovations: The introduction of Walmart Supercenters revolutionized retail by offering one-stop shopping convenience with a wide range of products and services under one roof.
43. Employee Training Programs: Walmart invests heavily in employee training programs, ensuring that its associates are equipped with the skills needed to provide excellent customer service.
44. Corporate Social Responsibility: The company has been actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives, focusing on issues like diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
45. Store Design Innovations: Walmart has continuously innovated its store design to improve customer experience, including the use of digital signage and mobile apps to enhance navigation and shopping efficiency.
46. Supply Chain Transparency: In recent years, Walmart has emphasized supply chain transparency, working to ensure that its products are sourced ethically and sustainably.
47. E-commerce Growth: The company has seen significant growth in its e-commerce segment, with online sales contributing a substantial portion of its overall revenue.
48. Store Count by State: By the early 1990s, Walmart had stores in every state of the United States, marking a significant milestone in its national expansion.
49. Store Format Evolution Continues: Over the years, Walmart has continued to evolve its store formats, introducing new concepts like Walmart Neighborhood Markets and Walmart Grocery Pickup services to cater to changing consumer needs.
50. Legacy and Impact: Today, Walmart is not only one of the world’s largest retailers but also a significant economic force, employing millions of people worldwide and contributing to local economies through its operations.

Walmart's Impact and Legacy

Walmart's journey from a single store in Arkansas to a global retail giant is nothing short of remarkable. Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, Walmart has grown through innovative strategies, relentless expansion, and a commitment to low prices. The introduction of Sam's Club and Supercenters revolutionized retail, offering customers a one-stop shopping experience. Walmart's global reach now spans multiple continents, despite some setbacks in countries like Germany and Japan. The company's focus on sustainability, e-commerce, and technology integration keeps it at the forefront of the retail industry. With millions of employees and a significant impact on local economies, Walmart continues to shape the retail landscape. Its mission to save people money so they can live better remains a driving force, ensuring Walmart's relevance and success for years to come.