About Us

Walmart serves customers and members more than 200

million times per week at more than 8,969 retail units
under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal
year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Walmart employs 2.1
million associates worldwide.

A leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and

employment opportunity, Walmart ranked first among
retailers in Fortune Magazine’s 2010 Most Admired
Companies survey.

Our Purpose
Saving people money to help them live better was the goal
that Sam Walton envisioned when he opened the doors to
the first Walmart more than 40 years ago. Today, this
mission is more important than ever to our customers and
members around the world. We work hard every day in all our markets to deliver on this
promise. We operate with the same level of integrity and respect that Mr. Sam put in place. It
is because of these values and culture that Walmart continues to make a difference in the
lives of our customers, members and associates.

Sam Walton said it best,

“If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone…we’ll give the world an
opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.”

What We Do
Saving people money to help them live better was the goal that Sam Walton envisioned when
he opened the doors to the first Walmart. It’s the focus that underlies everything we do at
Walmart. And for the millions of customers who shop in our stores and clubs around the
world each week, it means a lot.

Economic Opportunity
Walmart’s overall impact on the retail industry and beyond has changed the way business is
conducted globally, and increased consumer benefits — regardless of where they shop.
History
Walmart was founded in 1962, with the opening of the first Walmart discount store in Rogers,
Ark. The company incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., on Oct. 31, 1969. The company's
shares began trading on OTC markets in 1970 and were listed on the New York Stock
Exchange two years later. The company grew to 276 stores in 11 states by the end of the
decade. In 1983, the company opened its first Sam’s Club membership warehouse and in
1988 opened the first supercenter -- now the company’s dominant format -- featuring a
complete grocery in addition to general merchandise. Walmart became an international
company in 1991 when it opened its first Sam's Club near Mexico City.

The birth of discount retailing

Most people think discount retailing began in 1962 – the year that Kmart, Target, and
Walmart first opened. But actually, the chain of variety stores Sam Walton owned during the
1950s faced stiff competition from many regional discount stores.

1962 – Walmart begins

Before opening Walmart, Sam traveled the country studying everything he could about
discount retailing. He became convinced American consumers wanted a new type of store.
Trusting his vision, Sam and his wife Helen put up 95 percent of the money for the first
Walmart store in Rogers, Ark.

1972 – Walmart goes public

Discounters such as Kmart quickly expanded in the 1960s, while Sam only had enough
money to build 15 Walmart stores. In 1972, Walmart stock was offered for the first time on
the New York Stock Exchange. With this infusion of capital, our company grew to 276 stores
in 11 states by the end of the decade.

The 1980s – Walmart comes of age

In 1983, the first Sam’s Club members-warehouse store opened. The first Supercenter opened
in 1988, featuring a complete grocery, and 36 departments of general merchandise. By 1989,
there were 1,402 Walmart stores and 123 Sam’s Club locations. Employment had increased
tenfold. Sales had grown from $1 billion in 1980, to $26 billion.

The 21st century – one of the most successful retailers in the

world
Today, 8,969 stores and club locations in 15 countries employ 2.1 million associates, serving
more than 176 million customers a year. Our history is a perfect example of how to manage
growth without losing sight of your values. Our most basic value has always been, and
always will be, customer service.
Sam’s secret — give your customers what they want
In his autobiography, Sam said, "… if you think about it from the point of view of the
customer, you want everything: a wide assortment of quality merchandise; the lowest
possible prices; guaranteed satisfaction; friendly, knowledgeable service; convenient hours;
and a pleasant shopping experience. You love it when a store exceeds your expectations, and
you hate it when a store inconveniences you, gives you a hard time, or pretends you're
invisible."

International Operations

Learn more about our history, operations and presence in each market.

Argentina China Honduras Nicaragua

Brazil Costa Rica India United Kingdom

Canada El Salvador Japan

Chile Guatemala Mexico

Walmart stores and its product line
Walmart Discount Stores
Our founder, Sam Walton, opened his first Walmart
discount store in 1962. Today, there are 709 stores
offering a pleasant and convenient shopping experience
across the United States. The size of an average store is
108,000 square feet. Each store employs about 225
associates.

Our stores feature wide, clean, brightly-lit aisles and

shelves stocked with a variety of quality, value-priced
general merchandise, including:

 Family apparel
 Healthy and beauty aids
 Electronics
 Toys
 Lawn and garden items
 Jewelry

 Automotive products
 Home furnishings
 Hardware
 Sporting goods
 Pet supplies
 Housewares

Walmart Supercenters
Our Supercenters were developed in 1988 to meet the
growing demand for convenient, one-stop family shopping
featuring our famous Every Day Low Prices. We save you
time and money by combining a full grocery and our
general merchandise under one roof.

There are 2,907 Supercenters nationwide, and most are

open 24 hours. Supercenters average 185,000 square feet
and employ about 350 or more associates.

Supercenter groceries feature:

 Bakery goods
 Meat and dairy products
 Fresh produce
 Dry goods and staples
 Beverages

 Deli foods
 Frozen foods
 Canned and packaged goods
 Condiments and spices
 Household supplies

Most Supercenters also have many specialty shops such as:

 Vision center
 Tire & Lube Express
 Brand-name restaurants
 Portrait studio and
one-hour photo center
 Pharmacy
Deficit Reduction Act

 Health clinic
 Employment Agency
 Hair salon
 Bank

Walmart Neighborhood Markets

Neighborhood Markets offer a quick and convenient
shopping experience for customers who need groceries,
pharmaceuticals, and general merchandise all at our
famous Every Day Low Prices.
First opened in 1998, there are now 182 Neighborhood Markets, each employing about 95
associates. A typical store is about 42,000 square feet.

Neighborhood Markets feature a wide variety of products, including:

 Fresh produce
 Meat and Dairy products
 Frozen foods
 Dry goods and staples
 Health and beauty aids
 Stationery and paper goods
 Drive-through pharmacy

 Deli foods
 Bakery items
 Canned and packaged goods
 Condiments and spices
 Pet supplies
 Household supplies
 One-hour photo center