History
Walmart started with one man. In 1962, Sam Walton began with just one store and one mission: help people save money so they could live better. As a growing global digital enterprise and with over 11,500 stores, we maintain Mr. Sam’s vision, but now, we are able to help more customers than ever.
It began with a spark
Over the past 50 years, we’ve gone from one store in Rogers, AR to a global digital enterprise. Along the way, we’ve accomplished so much.
Retail revolution
The 1960s
On July 2, 1962, Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, AR. By 1969, the company was officially incorporated and registering $12.7 billion in sales.
We go national
1970s
The 1970s was a decade of incredible growth. In this time, we became a publicly traded company, opened our first Distribution Center and landed on the New York Stock Exchange. And what's more? In 1975, the Walmart Cheer was born.
Decade of firsts
1980s
Walmart reached $1 billion in annual sales, opened the first Sam's Club and Walmart Supercenter. By the late 80s, Walmart had 276 stores and employed over 21,000 associates. Oh, and Sam Walton did the hula on Wall Street.
A global company
1990s
By 1990, Walmart was the nation's number-one retailer. As the Walmart Supercenter redefined convenience and one-stop shopping, Every Day Low Prices went global. In 1997, we celebrated a year that brought in $100 billion in sales.
New millennium
2000s
As CEO, Doug McMillon embodies the innovative spirit modeled by our founder Sam Walton. Since acquiring Jet.com in 2016, we've welcomed a number of brands to the Walmart family including Shoebuy, Hayneedle, Moosejaw, Modcloth, and more. Our tech innovations are fueled by the research team @WalmartLabs and tech incubator Store 8.
By The Numbers
# of Walmart stores globally
260
million weekly shoppers
28
# of countries we operate in
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I'm an experienced expert with a comprehensive understanding of the history and evolution of Walmart, demonstrating a wealth of knowledge in the retail industry. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the company's founding principles, historical milestones, and its transformation into a global digital enterprise.
Walmart, founded by Sam Walton in 1962, started with a singular mission: to help people save money so they could live better. Over the past five decades, Walmart has grown exponentially, currently boasting over 11,500 stores worldwide. The journey began with the opening of the first Walmart store in Rogers, AR, on July 2, 1962. By 1969, the company was officially incorporated, achieving an impressive $12.7 billion in sales.
The 1970s marked a period of remarkable growth for Walmart. During this decade, the company became publicly traded, opened its first Distribution Center, and joined the New York Stock Exchange. Additionally, the iconic Walmart Cheer was born in 1975, reflecting the company's vibrant and enthusiastic culture.
In the 1980s, Walmart continued its expansion, reaching $1 billion in annual sales and introducing innovative concepts such as the first Sam's Club and Walmart Supercenter. By the late 80s, Walmart had grown to 276 stores, employing over 21,000 associates. Notably, Sam Walton's eccentricity was showcased when he did the hula on Wall Street.
The 1990s marked Walmart's emergence as the nation's leading retailer, achieving global recognition. The introduction of the Walmart Supercenter redefined convenience and one-stop shopping, while Every Day Low Prices became a global phenomenon. In 1997, the company celebrated a remarkable achievement with $100 billion in sales.
Transitioning into the new millennium, Walmart continued to innovate under the leadership of CEO Doug McMillon. Strategic acquisitions, such as Jet.com in 2016, welcomed several brands into the Walmart family, including Shoebuy, Hayneedle, Moosejaw, Modcloth, and more. Technological advancements were fueled by the research team at WalmartLabs and the tech incubator Store 8.
As of the most recent data available, Walmart operates globally, with an impressive 260 million weekly shoppers across 28 countries. The company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction remains evident in its continuous growth and adaptability to the changing retail landscape.
