The History of Walmart

The History of Walmart


Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re tracing the history of the world’s largest company by revenue.

The 1960s

Walmart emerged in the 1960s as a modest but innovative retail player that would ultimately reshape American commerce. Founded by Sam Walton in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas, the first Walmart was a discount variety store focused on low prices and customer service. Walton targeted rural areas with limited discount options, pioneering the concept of everyday low prices instead of periodic sales to foster customer loyalty and attract budget-conscious shoppers. By prioritizing efficiency and cost-cutting, Walmart maintained these low prices while expanding. By the end of the decade, Walmart had grown to 32 stores and was experimenting with larger formats, setting the stage for its national expansion.

The 1970s

Walmart’s expansion accelerated in the 1970s as it opened larger stores and adopted emerging technologies to boost efficiency. Becoming a publicly traded company allowed Walmart to raise capital, fueling its growth. Walmart’s adoption of computerized inventory systems and a hub-and-spoke distribution model set industry standards, helping it achieve economies of scale. By the decade's end, Walmart had expanded beyond Arkansas, operating over 270 stores across southern and midwestern states.

The 1980s

In the 1980s, Walmart's growth reached new heights, transforming it into a national retail powerhouse. The company expanded into the northeast and west, becoming a pioneer in barcoding and electronic data interchange systems, which streamlined inventory management and cut costs. Walmart also began entering the grocery market with supercenters that combined general merchandise and groceries, positioning itself as a one-stop shopping destination. By the end of the 1980s, Walmart was the largest retailer in the United States, with over 1,400 stores.

The 1990s

The 1990s marked Walmart's expansion into international markets, including Mexico, Canada, and the UK, making it a global retail powerhouse. Walmart diversified its store formats, introducing smaller Neighborhood Markets focused on groceries and pharmacy items to complement its supercenters and penetrate urban markets more effectively. Advanced satellite communication and data analytics helped optimize its operations. However, Walmart also faced criticism for its labor practices, environmental impact, and effects on local businesses. Despite these controversies, Walmart’s global influence continued to grow, and by the end of the decade, it was the world's largest retailer.

The 2000s

In the 2000s, Walmart’s global presence expanded further, with new ventures in Asia and Latin America. The company faced lawsuits and criticism regarding labor practices and gender discrimination, sparking controversy. Walmart invested in IT, supply chain automation, and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency. The latter part of the decade saw Walmart beginning to embrace e-commerce to stay relevant as online retail surged. By the end of the 2000s, Walmart had cemented its position as a global retail leader, yet scrutiny around its labor practices persisted.

The 2010s

During the 2010s, Walmart navigated a changing business landscape with e-commerce at the forefront. To compete with Amazon, Walmart acquired Jet.com in 2016 and other digital-native brands to boost its online capabilities. Sustainability also became a focus, with Walmart committing to zero waste and sustainable sourcing, while initiatives aimed at supporting local communities and small businesses helped align with consumer expectations for corporate responsibility. Labor practices, however, remained controversial. Walmart introduced some reforms, but resistance to unionization in the U.S. and continued scrutiny from labor advocates underscored ongoing challenges in addressing fair wages and worker protections.

The 2020s

In the 2020s, Walmart is navigating a retail landscape marked by shifts in consumer behavior and digital innovation. Leveraging its brick-and-mortar presence to create an omnichannel experience, Walmart has expanded its digital infrastructure, automated fulfillment centers, and cashierless checkout options. Accelerated by the pandemic, Walmart’s online focus grew, including new subscription services like Walmart+ to compete with Amazon Prime. The company has further invested in data analytics and AI to understand consumer preferences and optimize inventory. In response to consumer demand for convenience, Walmart has explored smaller-format stores and neighborhood fulfillment centers. As Walmart evolves, it remains to be seen if it will continue as a global retail leader.


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