Walmart (NYSE:WMT) (NYSE: WMT) is a multinational retail corporation operating a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, grocery stores and membership-only warehouse clubs under the Sam’s Club brand. The company’s core business centers on everyday low pricing, broad product assortment and convenience, serving urban and rural customers through both physical stores and a growing e-commerce platform. Walmart’s network encompasses supercenters, discount stores, neighborhood markets and fulfillment centers, enabling it to offer groceries, general merchandise, apparel, electronics and home goods at competitive prices.
Founded in 1962 by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, Walmart began as a single discount store focused on rural markets that were underserved by larger retail chains. Over the ensuing decades, the company expanded rapidly across the United States and entered international markets in the 1990s. Today, Walmart has operations in North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia, with significant presences in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, as well as joint ventures and partnerships in emerging markets such as India and Africa. This global footprint has helped Walmart diversify its revenue streams and adapt its merchandising strategy to local consumer preferences.
Walmart’s product and service offerings extend beyond traditional retail. In addition to groceries and general merchandise, the company provides pharmacy services, vision and health clinics, financial services such as money transfers and bill pay, and automotive repair through in-store service bays. On the technology front, Walmart has invested in digital capabilities, including online grocery pickup and delivery, mobile payment solutions and an expanding marketplace for third-party sellers. The company also operates Walmart Connect, an advertising platform leveraging shopper data to deliver targeted marketing across its digital and in-store channels.
Since 2014, Walmart has been led by President and Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon, under whose tenure the company has pursued an aggressive omnichannel strategy and accelerated its sustainability initiatives. Walmart has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its operations and supply chain, enhancing product transparency and supporting communities through charitable programs. By integrating technology with its extensive physical footprint, Walmart continues to adapt to changing consumer habits while maintaining its mission of providing accessible, low-cost retail solutions worldwide.
