History of Walmart in Timeline
Walmart Inc., an American multinational retail corporation headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, operates hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores across the United States. Founded by brothers Sam and James "Bud" Walton in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962, the company incorporated in 1969. Walmart also owns and operates Sam's Club retail warehouses.
1945: Sam Walton Acquires Ben Franklin Store
In 1945, Sam Walton purchased a Ben Franklin store, marking his entry into the retail business and setting the stage for the future development of Walmart.
1954: FedMart's Influence
The name "Wal-Mart" was inspired by FedMart, a chain of discount department stores founded by Sol Price in 1954.
1961: Inspiration from Ann & Hope
Sam Walton drew inspiration from the Ann & Hope store he visited in 1961, which influenced the design of the first Walmart store.
July 2, 1962: First Wal-Mart Discount City Opens
On July 2, 1962, the first Wal-Mart Discount City store opened its doors in Rogers, Arkansas, laying the foundation for the retail giant it would become.
1962: Founding of Walmart
Sam and James "Bud" Walton founded Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962.
1968: Walmart Expands Beyond Arkansas
Walmart expanded its operations beyond Arkansas in 1968, opening stores in Sikeston, Missouri, and Claremore, Oklahoma.
October 31, 1969: Walmart Incorporation
On October 31, 1969, Walmart was officially incorporated under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
October 1, 1970: Walmart Goes Public
On October 1, 1970, Walmart began trading stock as a publicly held company, marking a significant milestone in its financial history.
May 1971: First Stock Split
Walmart's first stock split occurred in May 1971, with shares priced at $47.
1971: Establishment of Walmart's Current Headquarters
Walmart's current headquarters building in Bentonville was established in 1971 and was slated for replacement with a new facility.
1972: Walmart Goes Public
Walmart's stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972, marking a significant step in the company's growth.
1973: Expansion into Tennessee
Walmart expanded its operations into Tennessee in 1973, further extending its reach in the southern United States.
1974: Entry into Kentucky and Mississippi
In 1974, Walmart continued its expansion by entering the states of Kentucky and Mississippi.
1975: Expansion into Texas
Walmart's expansion continued as it moved into Texas in 1975, marking a significant step in its nationwide growth.
1980: Beginning of Contiguous Expansion
Between 1980 and 2000, Walmart adopted a contiguous expansion strategy, building new distribution centers within driving distance of existing Supercenters, contributing to its rapid growth.
1983: First Sam's Club Opens
In 1983, Walmart, Inc. opened the first Sam's Club, originally called "Sam's Wholesale Club," in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
1984: Sourcing from China
By 1984, Sam Walton initiated sourcing products from China, marking the beginning of Walmart's global supply chain.
1985: Hillary Clinton Joins Walmart Board
Hillary Clinton joined the Walmart board of directors in 1985.
1987: Walmart Launches Satellite Network
Walmart completed its satellite network in 1987, a $24 million investment connecting all stores with the Bentonville office, enabling real-time inventory tracking and communication.
1987: Walmart's 25th Anniversary
By its 25th anniversary in 1987, Walmart had grown to 1,198 stores, with sales reaching $15.9 billion and employing 200,000 associates.
1988: Previous Slogan Introduced
Wal-Mart's previous slogan, "Always Low Prices, Always," was first introduced in 1988, emphasizing the company's commitment to affordability.
1988: First Walmart Supercenter Opens
The first Walmart Supercenter opened in Washington, Missouri, in 1988. A similar concept called Hypermart USA had launched a year earlier in Garland, Texas, but all Hypermart USA stores were later closed or converted into Supercenters.
1988: David Glass Becomes CEO; First Supercenter Opens
David Glass took over as CEO of Walmart in 1988, succeeding Sam Walton, who remained as chairman of the board. That same year, the first Walmart Supercenter opened in Washington, Missouri.
1988: Walmart: Most Profitable Retailer in the U.S.
By 1988, Walmart achieved the distinction of being the most profitable retailer in the United States.
October 1989: Walmart's Revenue Milestone
By October 1989, Walmart became the largest retailer in the U.S. in terms of revenue.
November 1989: Sam's Club Expands to New Jersey
Sam's Club opened its first store in New Jersey in November 1989.
November 1989: First Sam's Club in New Jersey
Prior to the summer of 1990, Walmart had a limited presence in the Northeast, with only a single Sam's Club in New Jersey, which opened in November 1989.
July 1990: Walmart Enters California
Walmart opened its inaugural store in California, located in Lancaster, in July 1990.
October 1990: Walmart Expands to Northeast US
A significant milestone occurred in October 1990 when Walmart opened its first main store in the Northeast, specifically in York, Pennsylvania.
1990: Expansion to West Coast and Pennsylvania
In 1990, Walmart expanded its presence significantly by opening stores on the West Coast and in Pennsylvania.
1990: Walmart Becomes Largest US Retailer by Revenue
Walmart reached a significant milestone in 1990, becoming the largest U.S. retailer by revenue.
1990: Walmart Opens First Bud's Discount City
Walmart opened its first Bud's Discount City location in Bentonville in 1990. Bud's operated as a closeout store similar to Big Lots. Many Bud's locations were opened to take over leases in shopping centers as Walmart stores relocated to newly built Supercenters.
1991: Walmart Enters Mexico
Walmart expanded its operations internationally in 1991 by entering Mexico.
1991: Walmart Launches Private Label Brands
Walmart introduced its first private label brand, Sam's Choice, in 1991. The beverage line, produced by Primo Water, quickly gained popularity.
1991: First International Store in Mexico
In 1991, Walmart opened its first international store in Mexico, which has grown to 2,804 stores as of October 31, 2022.
1992: Hillary Clinton Departs from Walmart Board
Hillary Clinton left her position on the Walmart board in 1992, prior to the U.S. presidential election.
1992: Don Soderquist Becomes "Keeper of the Culture"
Following the death of Sam Walton in 1992, Don Soderquist, the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chairman, took on the mantle of "Keeper of the Culture" at Walmart.
1992: Walmart's Charitable Giving Post-1992
Since Sam Walton's death in 1992, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have significantly increased their charitable donations.
1993: Sam's Choice Becomes Leading Beverage Brand
By 1993, Sam's Choice became the third most popular beverage brand in the United States, demonstrating the success of Walmart's private label strategy.
1993: Walmart Stops Selling Handguns in 1993
In 1993, Walmart ceased selling handguns in all U.S. states except Alaska.
January 14, 1994: Acquisition of Woolco Division in Canada
On January 14, 1994, Walmart acquired 122 stores of the Woolco division from Woolworth Canada, marking its entry into the Canadian market.
1994: Expansion into Canada
Walmart continued its international expansion in 1994 by entering the Canadian market.
1995: Walmart Enters South America
Walmart's expansion into South America began in 1995 with the opening of stores in Argentina and Brazil.
1995: Walmart Reaches All 50 US States
Vermont became the final U.S. state to welcome a Walmart store in 1995, marking the company's presence in all 50 states.
1995: Walmart Establishes Presence in Argentina
Walmart Argentina commenced operations in 1995, establishing a foothold in the country's retail sector.
1996: Peak Number of Walmart Discount Stores
The number of Walmart Discount Stores reached its peak in 1996 with 1,995 locations.
1997: Impact of Walmart on Small Towns in 1997
In 1997, Kenneth Stone published a paper finding that small towns can lose up to half their retail trade within ten years of a Walmart store opening.
1997: Walmart's Entry and Exit from Indonesia
In 1997, Walmart entered the Indonesian market through a joint venture with the Lippo Group, but the venture faced closure due to the Asian financial crisis.
1997: Walmart Enters the German Market
Walmart acquired Wertkauf, a supermarket chain with 21 stores in Germany, for DM750 million in 1997.
1997: Wal-Mart Added to Dow Jones Industrial Average
In 1997, Wal-Mart was recognized for its growing influence and financial performance by being added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
1997: Walmart's Entry and Challenges in German Market
Walmart entered the German market in 1997 but faced stiff competition, capturing only 2% of the food market share and lagging behind Aldi, which held 19%.
1997: Closure or Conversion of Bud's Discount City Stores
By 1997, all Bud's Discount City stores had either closed or been converted into Walmart Discount Stores.
1998: Introduction of Neighborhood Market Concept
Wal-Mart entered the grocery market in 1998 with the launch of its Neighborhood Market concept, piloting three stores in Arkansas.
1998: Walmart Surpasses Toys "R" Us in Toy Sales
Walmart's dominance in the toy market became evident in 1998 when it surpassed Toys "R" Us in toy sales, highlighting the impact of its superstores.
1998: Walmart Enters South Korean Market
Walmart's foray into the South Korean market began in 1998, but the company ultimately decided to exit the market in 2006.
July 1999: Walmart Acquires Asda
In July 1999, Walmart made a significant move into the European market by acquiring the UK-based retailer Asda for US$10 billion.
2000: End of Contiguous Expansion Period
By 2000, Walmart's period of contiguous expansion, which began in 1980, had come to an end, marking a significant phase in the company's growth strategy.
2000: Walmart's Impact on Grocery Prices in the 2000s
Between 2000 and 2010, Walmart's expansion into new markets often resulted in reduced food prices at competing local stores.
2000: Lee Scott Becomes CEO of Walmart and Initiates Cost-Cutting Measures
Lee Scott assumed the role of CEO of Walmart in 2000 and quickly implemented a series of cost-cutting measures aimed at boosting the company's profitability.
2000: H. Lee Scott's Tenure and Sales Growth
The year 2000 saw H. Lee Scott take the helm as president and CEO of Wal-Mart, a period marked by significant sales growth, reaching $165 billion.
2001: Impact on Labor Productivity
A 2001 McKinsey Global Institute study found that Walmart's operations, particularly its supply-chain management using information technology, significantly contributed to productivity growth in the U.S. general merchandise sector between 1995 and 2000.
2001: Trade Deficit with China
In the early 2000s, the Economic Policy Institute estimated that between 2001 and 2006, Walmart's trade deficit with China alone resulted in a loss of nearly 200,000 U.S. jobs, primarily in the manufacturing sector.
2001: Walmart's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Filings Reveal Gender Disparities in Management
In 2001, Walmart's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filings revealed that while women made up 65% of Walmart's hourly paid workforce, they only held 33% of management positions.
2002: Human Rights Campaign Rates Walmart's Treatment of LGBT Employees and Customers
The Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 2002 Corporate Equality Index, which assesses how companies treat LGBT employees and customers, gave Walmart Stores Inc. a score of 14%.
2002: Top Ranking on Fortune 500
Wal-Mart achieved a major milestone in 2002 by securing the top spot on the Fortune 500 list as America's largest corporation, boasting $219.8 billion in revenue and $6.7 billion in profits.
2002: Walmart Acquires Amigo Supermarkets
In 2002, Walmart acquired the Amigo supermarkets chain in Puerto Rico and owned it until 2022.
2003: Walmart Adds Sexual Orientation to Anti-Discrimination Policy
In 2003, Walmart took a step towards inclusivity by adding sexual orientation to its anti-discrimination policy.
2003: Tom Coughlin Joins Walmart Board
Tom Coughlin joined the Walmart board of directors in 2003.
2004: Bribery Allegation for Store Near Historical Site
In 2004, a Walmart store opened near a historical site in San Juan Teotihuacán, Mexico. Evidence later surfaced suggesting that a bribe of $52,000 was paid to alter a zoning map, enabling the store's construction.
2004: Walmart Tests "Pennies-n-Cents" Dollar Store Concept
In response to competition from dollar stores like Family Dollar and Dollar General, Walmart experimented with its own dollar store concept called "Pennies-n-Cents" within some of its stores in 2004.
2004: Tom Coughlin Becomes Vice Chairman
Tom Coughlin was appointed as vice chairman of Walmart's board in 2004.
2004: Early Testing of Site-To-Store
Walmart began testing its Site-To-Store program on a limited basis in 2004 before its full launch.
2004: Previous Consumer Savings Estimate
In 2004, consumer savings due to Wal-Mart's price reductions were estimated at $2,329 per household, highlighting the company's ongoing impact on consumer spending.
2004: Walmart Shoppers' Political Preferences in 2004
In 2004, a poll after the U.S. presidential election revealed that 76 percent of voters who shopped at Walmart once a week voted for George W. Bush, while only 23 percent supported senator John Kerry.
2004: Walmart Acquires Bompreço Supermarket Chain in Brazil
In 2004, Walmart bought the Bompreço supermarket chain in northeastern Brazil, consisting of 118 stores.
2004: Impact on Poverty Rates
A 2004 paper by Goetz and Swaminathan suggested that U.S. counties with Walmart stores experienced increased poverty rates compared to counties without Walmarts. However, the study acknowledged the difficulty in separating the effects of Walmart's presence from other potential factors.
September 2005: Response to Hurricane Katrina
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in September 2005, Wal-Mart leveraged its robust logistics network to provide swift disaster relief, contributing $20 million in donations, 1,500 truckloads of essential goods, food provisions for 100,000 meals, and job opportunities for its displaced employees.
September 2005: Allegations of Bribery in Mexico Emerge
During September 2005, a former executive of Walmart de Mexico alleged that the company had used local fixers to bribe Mexican officials in exchange for favorable treatment, including construction permits and market information.
November 2005: Environmental Initiatives Announcement
Addressing criticism about its environmental practices, Wal-Mart made a significant announcement in November 2005, outlining a series of environmental measures aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and improving its overall environmental performance.
December 2005: Tom Coughlin Leaves Walmart Board
Tom Coughlin resigned from Walmart's board in December 2005 after pleading guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion charges related to stealing funds from the company.
2005: Walmart Expands Family Definition to Include Same-Sex Partners
In 2005, Walmart broadened its definition of "family" to encompass same-sex partners, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
2005: Significant Global Expansion and Sales
Wal-Mart continued its expansion in 2005, reporting $312.4 billion in sales and operating over 6,200 facilities worldwide, including 3,800 stores in the U.S. and 2,800 internationally, with a workforce exceeding 1.6 million.
2005: Walmart's Hurricane Katrina Relief in 2005
In 2005, Walmart donated US$20 million in cash and merchandise for Hurricane Katrina relief.
2005: Walmart Acquires Control of Sonae's Brazilian Operations
In 2005, Walmart expanded its presence in Brazil by assuming control of Sonae Distribution Group's Brazilian operations, gaining control of the Nacional and Mercadorama supermarket chains.
2005: Dominance in Retail Grocery and Consumables
By 2005, Wal-Mart's expansion into the grocery sector, through initiatives like Neighborhood Market, resulted in the company controlling an estimated 20% of the retail grocery and consumables market.
2005: Fleet Efficiency Improvement Plan
As part of its sustainability efforts, Wal-Mart set a goal to double its truck fleet's efficiency between 2005 and 2015, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and operational costs.
2005: Economic Impact of Walmart in 2005
A 2005 study reported that Walmart's discounting on food alone boosts American shoppers' welfare by at least US$50 billion per year.
May 2006: Walmart Exits South Korean Market
In May 2006, Walmart sold its 16 South Korean stores to local retailer Shinsegae for US$882 million after entering the market in 1998. Shinsegae rebranded the stores as E-mart.
July 2006: Walmart Announces Withdrawal from Germany
Facing consistent losses and challenges in adapting its corporate culture and pricing strategies to the German market, Walmart announced its withdrawal from Germany in July 2006, selling its stores to Metro.
September 2006: Walmart $4 Generic Drugs Program
In September 2006, Walmart announced a pilot program in the Tampa, Florida area to sell generic drugs at $4 per prescription.
November 2006: Opening of First Supercentres in Canada
In November 2006, Walmart Canada opened its first three Supercentres in Ancaster, London, and Stouffville, Ontario.
November 2006: Walmart Announces Joint Venture with Bharti Enterprises in India
In November 2006, due to restrictions on foreign companies directly entering the Indian retail sector, Walmart announced a joint venture with Bharti Enterprises to operate in India. Walmart would handle wholesale operations, while Bharti managed retail outlets.
2006: George Will on Walmart's Economic Effects in 2006
In 2006, columnist George Will stated that Walmart's economic effects save shoppers more than US$200 billion a year, surpassing government programs like food stamps and the earned income tax credit.
2006: Walmart Eliminates Layaway Program
Walmart eliminated its layaway program in 2006.
2006: Store Remodels and Upscale Offerings
Wal-Mart initiated a strategic move in 2006 to broaden its appeal to a more diverse customer base, including higher-income shoppers. This involved remodeling its U.S. stores and introducing a new store format in Plano, Texas, featuring upscale merchandise such as high-end electronics, jewelry, premium wines, and a sushi bar.
2006: Consumer Savings Research
Research conducted by Global Insight in 2006 indicated that Wal-Mart's price reductions had led to substantial savings for consumers, totaling $287 billion, which translated to $957 per person or $2,500 per household.
2006: Walmart's Growth in Non-Metropolitan Areas in 2006
In 2006, research by Artz and Stone indicated that Walmart's impact on existing retailers was larger in rural communities (17%) compared to urban ones (4%), suggesting stronger growth in non-metropolitan, low-income areas.
2006: Political Conservatism of Walmart Shoppers in 2006
In 2006, frequent Walmart shoppers were rated the most politically conservative when compared to similar retailers in the U.S.
2006: Walmart Forms Diversity Groups
In 2006, Walmart announced the formation of diversity groups, including ones for women, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, gays and lesbians, and individuals with disabilities, to advise the company on marketing and internal promotion.
2006: Walmart's New Marketing Strategy in 2006
In 2006, Walmart announced a shift from a 'one-size-fits-all' merchandising strategy to one designed to reflect six demographic groups. Later, it introduced a new slogan: 'Saving people money so they can live better lives.'
2006: Brief Departure from Fortune 500's Top Position
In 2006, Wal-Mart experienced a temporary setback by briefly losing its top position on the Fortune 500 list.
2006: Publication of "The Wal-Mart Effect"
Charles Fishman's book, "The Wal-Mart Effect," published in 2006, brought significant attention to the company's supply chain practices, sparking public and media interest in its impact on costs, efficiency, and potential upstream consequences.
2006: Asda's Contribution to Walmart's International Sales
Asda, Walmart's subsidiary in the UK, headquartered in Leeds, made up a substantial 42.7 percent of Walmart's international division's sales in 2006.
2006: Study Highlights Walmart's Private Label Recognition
A 2006 study highlighted the high level of consumer awareness and recognition for Walmart's private label brands, showcasing the retailer's influence on shopper perception.
January 2007: Expansion of Generic Drugs Program
By January 2007, Walmart expanded its $4 generic drugs program to all stores in Florida.
February 6, 2007: Launch of Movie Download Service
On February 6, 2007, Walmart launched a 'beta' version of a movie download service, offering around 3,000 films and television episodes.
June 2007: Walmart Discontinues Signature Blue Vest
In June 2007, Walmart discontinued its signature blue vest for associates and replaced it with khaki pants and polo shirts as part of a corporate overhaul.
September 12, 2007: New Advertising Slogan Debut
On September 12, 2007, Wal-Mart unveiled a new advertising campaign featuring the slogan "Save money. Live better.," replacing its long-standing tagline, "Always Low Prices, Always," used since 1988.
December 21, 2007: Discontinuation of Movie Download Service
The movie download service, launched on February 6, 2007, was discontinued on December 21, 2007, due to low sales.
2007: Walmart Launches Site-To-Store Program
Walmart introduced its Site-To-Store program in 2007, allowing walmart.com customers to have online purchases shipped to a nearby store for free pickup.
2007: Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Filed Against Walmart
In 2007, a gender discrimination lawsuit, Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., was filed against Walmart, alleging that the company discriminated against female employees in pay and promotions.
2007: Collaboration with Consultants and Texas Retail Energy
In 2007, Wal-Mart engaged external consultants to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its environmental footprint, seeking areas for improvement. The company also demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by establishing its own electric company, Texas Retail Energy, with the aim of providing its stores with cost-effective power procured at wholesale rates, anticipating annual savings of $15 million and potentially extending electricity sales to Texas consumers in the future.
June 30, 2008: Logo Redesign and Name Change
Wal-Mart underwent a significant branding refresh on June 30, 2008, removing the hyphen from its logo and replacing the star with a Spark symbol. The store branding was simplified to "Walmart," while the corporate name retained the hyphen as "Wal-Mart."
July 1, 2008: New Logo Launch Online
On July 1, 2008, Wal-Mart's redesigned logo was officially launched on the company's website, marking the beginning of its public rollout.
2008: Walmart's Membership in National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Ends
Walmart's membership in the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce lasted from 2006 to 2008.
2008: Walmart Assumes Full Ownership of Seiyu
By 2008, Walmart achieved full ownership of the Japanese retail chain, Seiyu.
2008: Walmart Simplifies Supercenter Branding
Following the introduction of Walmart's new logo in 2008, the company gradually phased out the "Supercenter" name, with these stores simply referred to as "Walmart." However, the "Supercentre" branding (using Canadian English spelling) continued to be used in Walmart's Canadian stores.
2008: Launch of Marketside Stores
In 2008, Walmart started a pilot program for small grocery stores called Marketside in the metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona area.
2008: Economic Impact Study
In 2008, a study published in the journal Economic Inquiry suggested that Walmart's presence had no statistically significant long-term impact on the overall size and profitability of small businesses in the United States.
January 2009: Acquisition of D&S in Chile
In January 2009, Walmart acquired a controlling interest in Distribución y Servicio D&S SA, the largest grocer in Chile, which was renamed Walmart Chile in 2010.
January 31, 2009: Positive Financial Results
For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009, Wal-Mart reported strong financial performance, with net sales reaching $401.2 billion, a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
March 20, 2009: Employee Bonuses Despite Recession
Despite a challenging economic climate during the ongoing recession, Wal-Mart announced on March 20, 2009, a combined $933.6 million in bonuses for all its full-time and part-time hourly employees.
April 29, 2009: Walmart Opens Supermercado de Walmart and Más Club
On April 29, 2009, Walmart opened its first Supermercado de Walmart, a 39,000-square-foot store in Houston, Texas, targeting Hispanic communities. The store was a converted Walmart Neighborhood Market. Another Supermercado de Walmart opened in Phoenix, Arizona, in the same year. Walmart also launched "Más Club," a warehouse retail operation similar to Sam's Club, in 2009.
May 30, 2009: First Best Price Modern Wholesale Store Opens in India
The first Best Price Modern Wholesale store, a product of the Walmart and Bharti partnership, opened in Amritsar, India on May 30, 2009.
2009: Logo Adoption in Canada
Following its U.S. debut, Walmart Canada began phasing in the new logo at its stores in early 2009.
2009: Second Time Off Fortune 500's Top Spot
For the second time, in 2009, Wal-Mart was not ranked as the number one company on the Fortune 500 list.
2009: Walmart Launches Marketplace Platform
Walmart established its online marketplace in 2009, although it remained relatively inactive until the company's acquisition of Jet.com in 2016.
February 22, 2010: Vudu Acquisition
On February 22, 2010, Wal-Mart confirmed its acquisition of Vudu, Inc., a video streaming company, for an estimated $100 million, marking its entry into the digital entertainment market.
September 28, 2010: Walmart Enters Africa with Massmart Acquisition
On September 28, 2010, Walmart purchased Massmart Holdings Ltd., a South African retailer, for over US$4 billion, signifying Walmart's initial foray into the African market.
2010: Shift in Competitive Landscape
By 2010, the impact of Walmart's entry on local food prices became less pronounced, suggesting changes in retailers' competitive strategies.
2010: Introduction of Walmart Canada Bank
In 2010, Walmart Canada Bank was introduced with the launch of the Walmart (Canada) Rewards MasterCard after its incorporation under Canada's Bank Act.
2010: Walmart Becomes Third-Largest Supermarket Chain in Brazil
By 2010, through acquisitions like Bompreço and Sonae, Walmart emerged as the third-largest supermarket company in Brazil, trailing behind Carrefour and Pão de Açúcar.
2010: End of Layaway Program Phase-Out
By 2010, Walmart had completely phased out its layaway program.
2010: Asda Acquires Stores from Netto UK
Asda expanded its presence in the UK market by acquiring stores from Netto UK in 2010, further strengthening its position.
2010: Impact on Competing Retailers
A 2010 study by Ailawadi and others examined the impact of new Walmarts on competing retailers. It found that median sales dropped significantly at similar high-volume stores, supermarkets, and drugstores. However, some product categories at high-volume stores remained unaffected.
2010: Renaming to Walmart Chile
In 2010, Walmart renamed Distribución y Servicio D&S SA to Walmart Chile, following its acquisition in January 2009.
2010: Walmart Expands Neighborhood Market Format
Initially, Walmart's Neighborhood Market stores expanded gradually, filling gaps between Walmart Supercenters and Discount Stores. In its first 12 years, the company opened approximately 180 Walmart Neighborhood Markets. By 2010, Walmart announced plans to accelerate the expansion of these grocery stores.
2010: Walmart Ventures into Family Movie Production
In 2010, Walmart partnered with Procter & Gamble to produce two family films, "Secrets of the Mountain" and "The Jensen Project." The movies featured product placements for both Walmart and Procter & Gamble brands.
April 2011: Walmart Acquires Kosmix in April 2011
In April 2011, Walmart acquired Kosmix to develop software for analyzing real-time data streams.
June 20, 2011: Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Walmart in Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Case
On June 20, 2011, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Walmart in the Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. gender discrimination lawsuit. The court found that the plaintiffs lacked sufficient commonality to be considered a class.
2011: Closure of Marketside Stores
By 2011, the four Marketside stores, launched in 2008, were closed.
2011: Start of Supercenter Expansion Tracking
Data tracking the growth of Walmart Supercenters commenced in 2011, providing insights into store expansion patterns.
2011: Walmart Includes Gender Identity in Anti-Discrimination Policy
In 2011, Walmart further strengthened its commitment to inclusivity by adding gender identity to its anti-discrimination policy.
2011: Walmart Revives Layaway Program
Walmart brought back its layaway program in 2011 after a five-year hiatus.
January 2012: Walmart Express Store Expansion
In January 2012, Walmart planned to build 15 to 20 Walmart Express stores, focusing on Arkansas, North Carolina, and Chicago by the end of its fiscal year in January 2012.
February 2012: Walmart Increases Stake in Chinese Online Supermarket Yihaodian
In February 2012, to capitalize on growing consumer spending in China and enhance its product offerings, Walmart raised its ownership in Yihaodian, a Chinese online grocery store, to 51 percent.
April 2012: Walmart Mexico Bribery Allegations Surface
In April 2012, The New York Times published allegations from a former Walmart de Mexico executive claiming that the company had engaged in widespread bribery in Mexico during September 2005. The report alleged that Walmart executives in the US had suppressed the allegations.
June 2012: Walmart Severs Ties with CJ's Seafood
In June 2012, Walmart terminated its partnership with CJ's Seafood, a Louisiana-based crawfish processing company, after allegations of worker abuse. The decision followed public outcry and a worker protest regarding the treatment of H-2B visa holders from Mexico at CJ's facilities.
August 2012: Walmart Announces Polaris Search Engine in August 2012
In August 2012, Walmart unveiled its Polaris search engine.
September 14, 2012: Indian Government Approves FDI in Multi-Brand Retail
The Indian government approved 51 percent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail on September 14, 2012, contingent on individual state approvals, signaling potential expansion opportunities for foreign retailers like Walmart.
September 20, 2012: FDI in Multi-Brand Retail Takes Effect in India
The Indian government's approval for foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail came into effect on September 20, 2012, allowing companies like Walmart to potentially open stores directly.
November 14, 2012: Goodies Subscription Service Launch
Wal-Mart entered the subscription box market on November 14, 2012, with the launch of Goodies, a mail subscription service offering five to eight curated food samples monthly for a $7 fee.
November 2012: Walmart Admits to Lobbying in India, Faces Investigation
Walmart faced scrutiny in November 2012 after admitting to spending US$25 million on lobbying the Indian National Congress, an act generally perceived as bribery in India, leading to an internal investigation into potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
December 2012: Walmart Investigates Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations
By December 2012, Walmart was conducting internal investigations into potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, expanding beyond Mexico to include operations in China, Brazil, and India. The company had invested US$99 million in the investigations.
December 17, 2012: Walmart Bribery Scandal Expands
On December 17, 2012, a follow-up investigation by The New York Times revealed further evidence of bribery by Walmart in Mexico. The report indicated that permits for nineteen stores were obtained through bribes, including a $52,000 payment to modify a zoning map in San Juan Teotihuacán in 2004.
2012: Walmart's Impact in Chicago
In 2012, a study by Merriman, Persky, Davis, and Baiman analyzed the impact of Walmart in Chicago. The study found that businesses located close to a new Walmart were more likely to go out of business, suggesting that Walmart absorbed retail sales from nearby stores without significantly expanding the market.
2012: Third Instance Off Fortune 500's Top Spot
The year 2012 marked the third time Wal-Mart fell from its usual top position on the Fortune 500 list.
August 2013: Potential Acquisition of Naivas
In August 2013, Wal-Mart revealed its interest in expanding its presence in Africa by engaging in discussions to potentially acquire a majority stake in Naivas, a Kenya-based supermarket chain.
October 2013: Bharti and Walmart Part Ways in India
Bharti and Walmart decided to separate and pursue their business interests independently in October 2013, marking the end of their joint venture in India.
November 2013: NLRB Findings and Labor Practices
In November 2013, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found that Walmart had illegally discouraged employees from striking on Black Friday in 13 U.S. states. This finding highlighted concerns about Walmart's labor practices, including low wages, inadequate healthcare, and anti-union policies.
2013: Impact on Nearby Businesses
A 2013 study by Ellickson & Grieco, published in the Journal of Urban Economics, reported that Walmart's presence most strongly affected outlets of larger chains located within 2 miles of their stores.
2013: Goodies Service Shutdown
In late 2013, Wal-Mart made the decision to discontinue its Goodies subscription service, indicating a shift in its strategic focus or challenges in the subscription box market.
2013: Walmart's Fuel Station Partnerships
Some Walmart locations offered fuel stations with gasoline distributed by Murphy USA (which became independent from Murphy Oil in 2013), Sunoco ("Optima"), Tesoro Corporation ("Mirastar"), USA Gasoline, and Walmart-branded gas stations.
2013: Walmart Offers Health Insurance Benefits to Domestic Partners
Starting in 2013, Walmart began providing health insurance benefits to domestic partners of its employees.
January 2014: Walmart's Store Count in Brazil
As of January 2014, Walmart operated a significant retail network in Brazil, encompassing various brands like Walmart Supercenters, Sam's Clubs, Todo Dia stores, Bompreço supermarkets, and Hiper Bompreço stores.
February 1, 2014: Doug McMillon Becomes Walmart CEO
Doug McMillon assumed the role of CEO at Walmart on February 1, 2014, bringing his experience from leading Sam's Club and Walmart International.
February 2014: Support for U.S. Manufacturing
In February 2014, the Walmart Foundation pledged to support U.S. manufacturing by purchasing $250 billion worth of American-made products over the following decade.
June 2014: Employee Strikes for Higher Wages
During June 2014, Wal-Mart faced employee strikes in several major U.S. cities as workers demanded higher wages, highlighting ongoing labor relations challenges.
July 2014: Tracy Morgan Lawsuit
In July 2014, actor and comedian Tracy Morgan filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart following a multi-car collision that resulted in injuries to him and two passengers, as well as the death of comedian James McNair, alleging the accident was caused by a sleep-deprived driver of one of the company's tractor-trailers.
September 2014: Rebranding of Walmart Express
As of September 2014, Walmart rebranded all 22 of its Express format stores to Neighborhood Markets to streamline its retail offer.
September 2014: Walmart Reintroduces Vests for Store Employees
In September 2014, Walmart brought back vests for store employees. The vests are different colors based on the employee's department. This decision was partly due to customers having trouble identifying employees.
2014: Walmart Shoppers' Views on Same-Sex Marriage in 2014
As of 2014, 54 percent of Americans who preferred to shop at Walmart reported opposing same-sex marriage, while 40 percent were in favor, reflecting the store's southern roots.
2014: Closure of Supermercado de Walmart and Más Club
Both Supermercado de Walmart locations and the lone Más Club store closed in 2014.
2014: Marc Lore Founds Jet.com
Jet.com, an e-commerce company, was founded by Marc Lore in 2014. The company would later play a pivotal role in Walmart's digital growth strategy.
June 2015: Walmart Canada Employment Statistics
As of June 2015, Walmart Canada employed 89,358 people and operated 402 locations, including 343 supercentres and 59 discount stores.
July 2015: Walmart Acquires Full Ownership of Yihaodian
Walmart completed its full acquisition of Yihaodian in July 2015, solidifying its presence in the Chinese e-commerce market.
July 2015: Asda Updates Logo to Include Walmart Asterisks
In July 2015, Asda incorporated the Walmart Asterisks behind the first 'A' in its logo, visually aligning itself with its parent company.
2015: Target for Doubling Fleet Efficiency
Wal-Mart aimed to achieve its target of doubling its truck fleet's efficiency by 2015, demonstrating a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.
2015: Walmart Launches Company-Wide Campaign to Reduce Crime
In 2015, under the leadership of CEO Doug McMillon, Walmart implemented a series of measures aimed at curbing crime within its stores. These measures included enhanced security protocols such as receipt checks, increased staff presence, security cameras, data analysis for fraud detection, and the hiring of security personnel. Additionally, a program was introduced to offer first-time offenders of petty theft an alternative to arrest through a theft-prevention program.
2015: Walmart Leads in Solar Power
In 2015, Walmart became the top U.S. commercial producer of solar power, boasting a capacity of 142 MW and implementing 17 energy storage projects. Most of the solar installations were on rooftops, with additional space available for solar canopies over parking lots.
2015: Testing of Grocery Pickup Service
In 2015, Walmart began testing a free grocery pickup service, allowing customers to order products online and pick them up at a scheduled time.
2015: Settlements and Insurance Dispute
In 2015, Wal-Mart reached settlements in connection with the Tracy Morgan lawsuit, including a $10 million payment to the McNair family without admitting liability and an undisclosed settlement with Morgan. However, the company later accused its insurers of acting in bad faith by refusing to cover the settlement amount.
2015: Walmart CEO Opposes House Bill 1228
Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart, publicly opposed House Bill 1228 in 2015 and urged Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to veto it.
January 15, 2016: Walmart Announces Store Closures and Strategic Focus
On January 15, 2016, Walmart revealed plans to shut down 269 stores, impacting 16,000 employees. The closures were part of a strategy to strengthen Supercenters, enhance Neighborhood Markets, expand e-commerce, and improve pickup services.
March 2016: Walmart Acquires Hayneedle
Walmart, through its subsidiary Jet.com, acquired the online furniture retailer Hayneedle in March 2016, bolstering its e-commerce presence.
April 2016: Walmart Announces Plan to Eliminate Eggs from Battery Cages in Supply Chain
In April 2016, Walmart made a significant announcement regarding its egg supply chain, pledging to eliminate eggs sourced from battery cages by 2025.
May 2016: ShippingPass Two-Day Delivery
In May 2016, Walmart announced a change to its ShippingPass service, moving from three-day to two-day delivery for a yearly fee of $49 to stay competitive with Amazon.
June 2016: Launch of Last-Mile Grocery Delivery
In June 2016, Walmart and Sam's Club began testing a last-mile grocery delivery service using Uber, Lyft, and Deliv in Denver and Phoenix.
August 8, 2016: Walmart Acquires Jet.com for $3.3 Billion
On August 8, 2016, Walmart acquired the e-commerce website Jet.com for US$3.3 billion. This strategic move aimed to boost Walmart's presence in the online retail market.
August 2016: Report Highlights Correlation Between Walmart's Cost-Cutting Measures and Increased Crime in Stores
A report published by Bloomberg Businessweek in August 2016 suggested a link between Walmart's aggressive cost-cutting strategies, implemented since 2000, and a rise in crime at its stores across the United States. The report highlighted measures such as the removal of store greeters, increased reliance on self-checkout stations, and rapid store expansion outpacing employee hiring, which led to a larger workload per employee.
October 3, 2016: Walmart Labs' Statement on October 3, 2016
On October 3, 2016, Alex Grigoryan of Walmart Labs released a statement explaining the details of the applications and the scale they operate at Walmart.
October 19, 2016: Walmart Partners with IBM and Tsinghua University to Track Pork Supply Chain Using Blockchain
On October 19, 2016, Walmart announced a partnership with IBM and Tsinghua University to leverage blockchain technology for tracking the pork supply chain in China. This initiative aimed to improve transparency, efficiency, and cost savings in Walmart's supply chain operations.
November 2016: Walmart's Open Source Projects in November 2016
As of November 2016, Walmart Labs had listed 141 public GitHub projects as open-source software under the OSI approved Apache V2.0 license.
December 2016: Walmart Purchases Shoebuy.com
In December 2016, Walmart further expanded its online footwear offerings by acquiring Shoebuy.com through its Jet.com subsidiary.
2016: Hundreds of Violent Crimes Reported at Walmart Stores Across the US
In 2016, over 200 violent crimes, ranging from attempted kidnappings to shootings and murders, were reported at Walmart stores across the United States. This unsettling statistic highlighted the safety and security challenges faced by the retail giant.
2016: Walmart Provides Full Healthcare Benefits to Transgender Employees
In 2016, Walmart demonstrated its support for transgender employees by beginning to offer full healthcare benefits, including coverage for gender transition-related care.
2016: Walmart Automates Cash Handling in 2016
In 2016, Walmart began automating its cash handling process by replacing employees who counted currency by hand with machines capable of counting 8 bills per second and 3,000 coins a minute.
2016: Walmart's Operational Structure
As of 2016, Walmart's operations were organized into four divisions: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, Sam's Club, and Global eCommerce. In the United States, Walmart stores operated in four formats: discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club stores. Walmart International stores included various formats like supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty stores.
2016: Walmart Implements Yellow Vests for Specific Roles
In 2016, Walmart started requiring self-checkout associates, door greeters, and customer service managers to wear yellow vests to improve their visibility to customers.
February 15, 2017: Walmart Acquires Moosejaw to Expand Outdoor Retail Presence
On February 15, 2017, Walmart acquired Moosejaw, a prominent online retailer specializing in outdoor gear and apparel, for approximately $51 million. The acquisition was finalized on February 13, 2017, and aimed to strengthen Walmart's position in the growing outdoor retail sector.
March 2017: ModCloth Joins Walmart's E-commerce Portfolio
As part of its e-commerce expansion, Walmart acquired ModCloth, an online retailer known for its vintage-inspired clothing, in March 2017.
March 2017: Walmart's Shareholder Structure
As of March 2017, Walmart had 3,292,377,090 outstanding shares, primarily held by the Walton family, institutions, and funds. The company is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
June 16, 2017: Walmart Acquires Bonobos to Bolster Fashion Offerings
On June 16, 2017, Walmart acquired the men's apparel company Bonobos for $310 million, further expanding its presence in the fashion industry.
September 15, 2017: Walmart Announces New Headquarters in Bentonville
On September 15, 2017, Walmart announced plans to construct a new headquarters in Bentonville, replacing its existing 1971 building and consolidating operations spread across 20 different locations.
September 29, 2017: Walmart Enhances Delivery Capabilities with Parcel Acquisition
On September 29, 2017, Walmart acquired Parcel, a same-day and last-mile delivery company based in Brooklyn. This acquisition was aimed at improving Walmart's delivery services and expanding its reach in urban markets.
December 6, 2017: Walmart Announces Corporate Name Change
On December 6, 2017, Walmart revealed its decision to change its official corporate name from "Wal-Mart Stores, Inc." to "Walmart Inc." This name change became effective on February 1, 2018, and reflected the company's evolution beyond its traditional brick-and-mortar retail operations.
December 17, 2017: Expansion of Grocery Pickup Service
As of December 17, 2017, Walmart's free grocery pickup service, which began testing in 2015, was available in 39 U.S. states.
2017: Walmart Achieves Perfect Score on Corporate Equality Index
By 2017, Walmart Stores Inc. significantly improved its rating on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index, achieving a perfect score of 100%.
2017: Launch of "Project Gigaton"
Walmart launched "Project Gigaton" in 2017 with the aim of reducing Scope 3 emissions from its suppliers by 1 billion metric tons by 2030.
2017: Walmart Leverages Stores for E-commerce Fulfillment
In 2017, Marc Lore, Walmart's U.S. e-commerce CEO, outlined a strategy to leverage the company's extensive network of physical stores as fulfillment centers for online orders. This approach aimed to enhance e-commerce capabilities without significant overhead increases.
2017: Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund
Between 2014 and 2017, the Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund provided $10 million in grants to research and academic institutions for projects aimed at improving domestic manufacturing processes.
2017: Death of Betty Dukes
Betty Dukes, the lead plaintiff in the Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. gender discrimination lawsuit, passed away in 2017.
January 11, 2018: Walmart Announces Sam's Club Closures and Employee Benefits Expansion
On January 11, 2018, Walmart declared the closure of 63 Sam's Club locations. Simultaneously, the company unveiled plans to increase starting wages for Walmart employees, distribute bonuses, enhance leave policies, and contribute to adoption costs, citing benefits from the new tax law.
February 1, 2018: Walmart's Corporate Name Change Takes Effect
On February 1, 2018, Walmart's corporate name change from "Wal-Mart Stores, Inc." to "Walmart Inc." came into effect.
March 14, 2018: Expansion of Online Delivery
On March 14, 2018, Walmart announced it would expand its online grocery delivery service to 100 metropolitan regions in the U.S. by the end of 2018.
March 2018: Former Walmart Executive Sues Company for Allegedly Reporting Misleading E-Commerce Performance Results
Tri Huynh, a former Director of Business Development at Walmart, filed a lawsuit against the company in March 2018. Huynh alleged that Walmart had reported misleading e-commerce performance results, potentially to present a more favorable image against competitor Amazon.
May 9, 2018: Walmart Announces Intent to Acquire Majority Stake in Flipkart
Walmart revealed its plan to purchase a 77% stake in Flipkart, an Indian e-commerce firm, for $16 billion on May 9, 2018, signaling its intent to grow in the Indian market.
May 2018: Walmart Announces Plans to Sell Asda to Sainsbury's
In May 2018, Walmart announced its intention to sell Asda to Sainsbury's, a competing supermarket chain, for $10.1 billion. Under the terms, Walmart would've held a 42% stake in the combined entity and received around £3 billion in cash.
May 17, 2018: Sale of Walmart Canada Bank
On May 17, 2018, Walmart Canada announced the sale of Walmart Canada Bank to Stephen Smith and Centerbridge Partners, L.P., although Walmart remained the issuer of the Walmart (Canada) Rewards MasterCard.
June 2018: Introduction of Winemakers Selection Wine
In June 2018, Walmart introduced its Winemakers Selection private label wine in about 1,100 stores, offering quality wine at an inexpensive price of $11 to $16 per bottle.
August 2018: Minority Stake in Walmart Brasil
In August 2018, Walmart reduced its stake in Walmart Brasil, which was later renamed Grupo Big.
August 2018: Walmart Reduces Stake in Walmart Brasil
In August 2018, Walmart Inc. transitioned to a minority stakeholder in Walmart Brasil, marking a shift in its ownership structure.
August 18, 2018: Walmart Completes Acquisition of Flipkart
Walmart finalized its acquisition of a 77% majority stake in Flipkart on August 18, 2018, for $16 billion, solidifying its presence in the growing Indian e-commerce sector.
September 2018: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Sues Walmart over Pregnancy Discrimination Allegations
In September 2018, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against Walmart, alleging that the company had denied requests from pregnant employees to limit heavy lifting, potentially violating pregnancy discrimination laws.
2018: Walmart Launches "Spark" Crowdsourcing Delivery Service
In 2018, Walmart introduced "Spark," a crowdsourced delivery service that utilizes drivers' personal vehicles to deliver orders to customers. This initiative aimed to provide faster and more convenient delivery options while tapping into the gig economy.
2018: Walmart's 2018 Firearm Sales Policy Changes
In 2018, Walmart stopped selling guns and ammunition to persons younger than 21 and ceased sales of military-style rifles commonly used in mass shootings.
January 31, 2019: Walmart's Financial Performance for Fiscal Year 2019
For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2019, Walmart reported a net income of US$6.6 billion on revenue of $514 billion. International operations contributed $120 billion, representing 23.7% of total sales.
February 26, 2019: Walmart Acquires Aspectiva to Enhance Product Reviews
On February 26, 2019, Walmart acquired Aspectiva, a Tel Aviv-based startup specializing in product reviews, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aimed to leverage Aspectiva's technology to enhance Walmart's product review system and provide customers with more insightful and reliable product information.
March 2019: Walmart Rebrands Associate Education Benefits to Live Better U
In March 2019, Walmart renamed its Associate Education Benefits program to Live Better U. This program supports associate education at all levels and includes a $1 a day college program, cost-free high school education, and discounts on higher education programs through a partnership with Guild Education.
April 1, 2019: Walmart Canada Bank Acquired and Renamed Duo Bank
On April 1, 2019, Centerbridge Partners, L.P., and Stephen Smith acquired Wal-Mart Canada Bank, renaming it Duo Bank of Canada. While specific ownership percentages were not disclosed, Duo Bank's reclassification from a Schedule 2 to a Schedule 1 federally chartered bank suggests that Stephen Smith, a prominent Canadian businessman, holds a controlling stake.
April 2019: UK Competition Authority Blocks Asda-Sainsbury's Deal
The proposed sale of Asda to Sainsbury's faced a setback in April 2019 when the UK's Competition and Markets Authority blocked the deal due to competition concerns.
April 2019: Walmart Extends Use of Robots in Stores
In April 2019, Walmart Inc. revealed plans to increase the use of robots in its stores. The robots are intended to improve and monitor inventory, clean floors, and unload trucks, as part of the company's effort to reduce labor costs.
April 16, 2019: Walmart Partners with Kidbox
Walmart announced its partnership with Kidbox, a subscription service for children's apparel, on April 16, 2019, further diversifying its offerings.
May 2019: Walmart Introduces Free One-Day Shipping
In May 2019, Walmart launched a free one-day shipping service for over 220,000 items with a minimum purchase requirement of $35, enhancing its competitiveness in the e-commerce market by providing faster and more convenient shipping options.
May 2019: Center for Inquiry Files Lawsuit Against Walmart over Sale of Homeopathic Products
In May 2019, the Center for Inquiry (CFI) filed a lawsuit against Walmart in the District of Columbia, alleging that the company's practice of selling homeopathic products alongside conventional medicine constituted consumer fraud and endangered public health.
June 2019: Walmart Expands Education Benefits to Recruit High School Students
In June 2019, Walmart Inc. announced the expansion of its education benefits program to attract high school students. The incentives include flexible work schedules, free SAT and ACT preparation courses, up to seven hours of free college credit, and a debt-free college degree in three fields from six nonprofit universities.
July 2019: Walmart Subreddit Flooded with Pro-Union Memes in Protest of Employee Firing
The Walmart subreddit experienced a flood of pro-union memes in July 2019. This was a protest against the firing of an employee who had posted confidential material to the subreddit. The incident highlighted tensions related to Walmart's perceived anti-union stance and its practice of surveying employees online.
August 12, 2019: Walmart Brasil Renamed Grupo Big
Walmart Brasil underwent a name change to Grupo Big on August 12, 2019, as part of a deal where Advent International, a private equity group, became the majority owner with 80% of the shares.
August 2019: Renaming of Walmart Brasil
Walmart Brasil was renamed Grupo Big in August 2019.
September 2019: Walmart Ends E-Cigarette Sales and Opens Health Center
In September 2019, Walmart announced the discontinuation of all e-cigarette sales, citing regulatory uncertainties. This move followed earlier decisions to halt sales of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes and raise the minimum purchase age for tobacco products to 21. Additionally, Walmart inaugurated its first Health Center, offering customers access to primary care services at transparent prices.
October 2019: Walmart Discontinues Sales of Live Fish and Aquatic Plants
By October 2019, Walmart ceased selling all live fish and aquatic plants, discontinuing these offerings across its stores.
October 2019: Grocery Pickup for Adult Beverages
In October 2019, Walmart announced that customers in 2,000 locations across 29 states could use the grocery pickup service for adult beverages, with delivery available from nearly 200 stores in California and Florida.
2019: Walmart Store Density in the United States
In 2019, the density of Walmart stores per 1,000 people in the U.S. was highest in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, and Kansas, while being lowest in Hawaii, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York.
2019: Walmart Dominates US Grocery Retail
Walmart held the position of the largest grocery retailer in the United States in 2019.
2019: Walmart U.S. Performance and Leadership
In fiscal year 2019, Walmart U.S., the company's largest division, generated US$331.666 billion in revenue, accounting for 65% of total sales. The division consisted of Supercenters, Discount Stores, Neighborhood Markets, and other small formats. As of October 31, 2022, there were 4,720 Walmart U.S. stores, with 90% of the U.S. population residing within 10 miles of a Walmart store. The total number of Walmart U.S. stores and Sam's Clubs combined was 5,320. John Furner served as the president and CEO of Walmart U.S.
2019: Walmart International Operations
In fiscal 2019, Walmart's international division generated $120.824 billion in sales, comprising 23.7 percent of total sales, with operations in 23 countries.
2019: Walmart's Response to El Paso Shooting in 2019
In 2019, after a mass shooting at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, Walmart announced it would stop selling all handgun ammunition and certain short-barreled rifle ammunition. The company also ceased handgun sales in Alaska and requested customers not to openly carry weapons in stores.
2019: Sam's Club Generates Significant Revenue
By fiscal year 2019, Sam's Club, with 600 membership warehouse clubs, contributed 11.3% of Walmart's total revenue, amounting to $57.839 billion.
2019: Mass Shooting at El Paso Walmart Results in 23 Fatalities
Tragedy struck a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, in 2019 when a mass shooting claimed the lives of 23 people. This devastating event shook the nation and brought the issue of gun violence to the forefront.
February 2020: Introduction of Walmart+ Membership
In February 2020, Walmart announced a new membership program called 'Walmart+', shortly after discontinuing its personal shopping service, Jetblack.
May 20, 2020: Court Dismisses Center for Inquiry's Lawsuit Against Walmart over Homeopathic Products
On May 20, 2020, the District of Columbia Superior Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Center for Inquiry (CFI) against Walmart. CFI had alleged consumer fraud and endangerment of customers' health due to Walmart's practice of selling homeopathic products alongside conventional medicine.
June 27, 2020: Fatal Shooting at Walmart Distribution Center in Red Bluff, California
On June 27, 2020, a shooting transpired at a Walmart distribution center located in Red Bluff, California. The incident resulted in the loss of one employee's life, while the shooter was fatally wounded during a confrontation with law enforcement officers.
July 2020: Walmart Implements Mask Mandate for Customers
Starting in July 2020, Walmart mandated mask-wearing for all customers inside its stores nationwide, including Sam's Club locations, as a safety measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
October 2, 2020: Walmart Announces Sale of Asda
On October 2, 2020, Walmart revealed its plan to sell a majority stake in its subsidiary, Asda, to a consortium led by the Issa brothers and TDR Capital for £6.8 billion, subject to regulatory approval.
October 2020: Walmart's Precautionary Measures in October 2020
Following the fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. in October 2020, Walmart temporarily removed gun and ammunition displays from sales floors across the U.S. due to concerns over potential civil unrest.
November 6, 2020: Walmart Sells Argentine Operations to Grupo de Narváez
Walmart divested its Argentine operations to Grupo de Narváez on November 6, 2020, leading to the renaming of the stores as Hiper Changomas.
November 16, 2020: Walmart Sells Majority Stake in Seiyu
On November 16, 2020, Walmart announced the sale of a 65% stake in its Japanese subsidiary, Seiyu, to KKR. The deal valued Seiyu at $1.6 billion, with Walmart retaining a 15% stake and a seat on the board.
December 2020: Walmart Launches Carrier Pickup Return Service
In December 2020, Walmart introduced Carrier Pickup, a new service allowing customers to schedule returns more conveniently.
2020: End of Supercenter Expansion Tracking Period
The period for tracking the increase in Walmart Supercenters concluded in 2020, marking the end of a specific data collection timeframe.
2020: Walmart Implements Temporary Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
In early 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic prompted Walmart to implement temporary measures, including store closures, limited store occupancy, employee layoffs, and the enforcement of social distancing protocols. The company also adjusted store hours, imposed purchase limits on certain items to address panic buying, and provided pandemic-related benefits to employees.
2020: Walmart's Financial Performance Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, Walmart's financial performance was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer behavior shifted, leading to fewer shopping trips but larger purchases. While operating expenses rose, Walmart's net sales and income increased due to a surge in demand for groceries and essential items, as well as a significant growth in online sales.
2020: Walmart's Contribution to Rule of Law Defense Fund
In 2020, Walmart contributed $140,000 to the Rule of Law Defense Fund, a fundraising organization associated with the Republican Attorneys General Association, according to Documented.
2020: Walmart's COVID-19 Response in 2020
In 2020, Walmart committed $25 million to organizations on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
2020: Walmart Settles Sex-Based Hiring Discrimination Lawsuit
In 2020, Walmart agreed to pay $20 million to settle a company-wide, sex-based hiring discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). As part of the settlement, Walmart agreed to discontinue the use of a pre-employment test and provide other relief.
2020: Increase in U.S.-Made Merchandise
By the 2020 fiscal year, Walmart reported that almost two-thirds of its merchandise was made, assembled, or grown in the United States.
2020: Largest Private Employer in the U.S.
By 2020, Walmart became the largest private employer in the United States, with 1.6 million employees, employing significantly more people than any other private company. Walmart is also the largest private employer of African Americans in the U.S.
January 2021: Walmart's Vaccine Distribution in January 2021
As of January 2021, Walmart began offering COVID-19 vaccines to healthcare workers in New Mexico and Arkansas, with plans to expand to other states and territories.
January 2021: Walmart Announces Fintech Startup Launch
In January 2021, Walmart revealed its plans to launch a fintech startup in partnership with Ribbit Capital. The new venture aims to offer financial products to consumers and Walmart employees, expanding the company's reach into the financial services sector.
February 2021: Walmart Acquires Thunder Industries' Technology for Digital Ad Automation
In February 2021, Walmart acquired technology from Thunder Industries, a company specializing in automated digital ad creation. This acquisition aimed to bolster Walmart's online marketing capabilities and enhance its ability to reach customers effectively through targeted advertising.
March 2021: Increased Investment in American-Made Products
As of March 2021, Walmart pledged to further increase its investment in American-made products by purchasing an additional $350 billion worth over the next decade.
March 24, 2021: Carrefour to Acquire Grupo Big
Carrefour's acquisition of Grupo Big, announced on March 24, 2021, further reshaped the Brazilian retail landscape, bringing together two major players in the market.
May 2021: Walmart's Mask Policy Update in May 2021
In May 2021, Walmart announced that starting from May 18, all fully vaccinated employees could stop wearing masks at work, following CDC guidance.
May 2021: Walmart Acquires Zeekit for Virtual Try-On Technology
In May 2021, Walmart acquired the Israeli startup Zeekit for $200 million. Zeekit specializes in artificial intelligence-powered virtual try-on technology for clothing. This acquisition was aimed at enhancing Walmart's online shopping experience by allowing customers to virtually try on clothes before making a purchase.
August 2021: Walmart Expands Spark Delivery Service to Other Businesses
In August 2021, Walmart announced the expansion of its Spark crowdsourced delivery platform to other businesses as a white-label service. This move positioned Spark as a competitor to established delivery services like Postmates and online food ordering companies.
November 2021: Federal Jury Finds Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS Liable in Opioid Crisis
In November 2021, a federal jury reached a verdict in a lawsuit related to the opioid crisis, finding that Walmart, along with Walgreens and CVS, had significantly contributed to the epidemic. The jury awarded a total of $650 million in damages to Lake County and Trumbull County in Ohio, which had initially sought $3.3 billion.
December 2021: Walmart to Participate in Investment Conferences
In December 2021, Walmart announced its participation in the Stephens Investment Conference and the Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference.
December 2021: Chinese Communist Party Warns Walmart Over Xinjiang Products
In December 2021, following the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Chinese Communist Party issued a warning to Walmart regarding the absence of products sourced from Xinjiang in its inventory.
February 2022: Walmart Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions
By February 2022, Walmart lifted its COVID-19-related restrictions, including the mask mandate for customers and pandemic-related employee benefits.
June 7, 2022: Divestment from Grupo Big
Walmart finalized the sale of its stake in Grupo Big to Carrefour on June 7, 2022, for R$7 billion, fully exiting the Brazilian market.
June 2022: Federal Trade Commission Sues Walmart for Allegedly Facilitating Money Transfer Fraud
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Walmart in June 2022, alleging that the company's money transfer services had been used by scammers to defraud customers of hundreds of millions of dollars.
June 2022: Walmart Acquires Memomi
In June 2022, Walmart announced the acquisition of Memomi, an augmented reality (AR) optical technology company.
August 2022: Walmart Adjusts Store Hours
In August 2022, Walmart announced that most stores would no longer operate 24 hours a day and would generally be open from 6am to 11pm.
August 2022: Walmart Acquires Volt Systems and Partners with Paramount
In August 2022, Walmart acquired Volt Systems, a vendor management and product tracking software company. Additionally, Walmart partnered with Paramount to offer Paramount+ content to Walmart+ subscribers.
October 1, 2022: Walmart Locations as of October 1, 2022
As of October 1, 2022, Walmart had various locations, including Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Clubs, across the United States.
October 2022: Walmart Tops Fortune Global 500
Walmart secured the top spot as the world's largest company by revenue on the Fortune Global 500 list in October 2022.
October 31, 2022: Walmart's Global Presence
As of October 31, 2022, Walmart operated over 10,500 stores and clubs across 24 countries under 46 different names.
October 31, 2022: Decline in Walmart Discount Stores
By October 31, 2022, the number of Walmart Discount Stores had decreased to 365, down from its peak of 1,995 in 1996.
2022: Walmart Sells Amigo Supermarkets
In 2022, Walmart announced the sale of its Amigo stores to Pueblo Inc. to focus on modernizing its 18 Supercenter and Division 1 formats and seven Sam's Clubs stores.
2022: Impact on Local Employment
A 2022 literature review concluded that there is no consensus on Walmart's impact on local employment. However, most studies suggest a modest increase in retail employment, with some studies indicating that the initial increase in jobs is often followed by closures of other retail establishments.
2022: Profile of the Average Walmart Customer
As of 2022, the average Walmart customer in the U.S. had an annual income of about $80,000. During periods of inflation, customers tend to prioritize lower-priced food options, and the company observes an increase in higher-income shoppers seeking deals.
January 2023: Walmart Raises Minimum Wage and Expands Education Program
In January 2023, Walmart announced a minimum wage increase for U.S. hourly workers from $12 to $14 per hour, effective in March 2023. The company also announced the addition of more college degrees and certificates to its Live Better U program.
February 2023: Walmart Reports Strong Sales and Profit Growth
In February 2023, Walmart reported $611.3 billion in sales for the previous financial year, a 6.7% increase. This included a strong fourth quarter with $164 billion in sales. The company's profits also saw significant growth, nearly doubling compared to the previous year.
February 2023: Walmart Announces FY2023 Revenue
In February 2023, Walmart announced a total revenue of $611.3 billion for the fiscal year 2023.
March 2023: Walmart's Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect
Walmart's minimum wage increase to $14 per hour for U.S. hourly workers took effect in early March 2023, impacting approximately 340,000 employees. The company's average U.S. wage was expected to exceed $17.50.
April 2023: Walmart to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure
In April 2023, Walmart announced plans to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at thousands of stores by 2030, in addition to the nearly 1,300 stations already in operation at 280 company locations. The company highlighted its extensive reach, with over 4,700 Walmart stores and 600 Sam's Club stores located within 10 miles of about 90% of the U.S. population.
2023: "Project Gigaton" Success and Supplier Engagement
By fiscal year 2023, 75% of Walmart's net sales were from suppliers participating in "Project Gigaton," contributing to the initiative's success.
January 2024: Walmart Announces Store Expansion and Remodeling Plan
In January 2024, Walmart announced plans to open over 150 new stores in the U.S. over the next five years while also remodeling 650 existing stores across 47 states and Puerto Rico. This move marked a shift in strategy for the company, which had previously been focusing on online competition.
February 2024: Walmart Announces Stock Grants and Stock Split
In February 2024, Walmart announced stock grants of up to $20,000 for managers and a 3-for-1 stock split to make it easier for employees to purchase company stock. This move was considered unusual in the retail industry. The company also announced an increase in the starting base salary for store managers and an enhanced bonus plan of up to 200% of their regular salaries.
February 2024: Walmart Achieves "Project Gigaton" Goal Ahead of Schedule
In February 2024, Walmart announced that it had achieved its "Project Gigaton" goal, launched in 2017, to reduce Scope 3 emissions from its suppliers by 1 billion metric tons by 2030. The company achieved this goal six years ahead of schedule. In fiscal year 2023, 75% of Walmart's net sales came from suppliers participating in the initiative.
2024: Walmart Reconsiders Self-Checkout
In 2024, Walmart announced plans to remove self-checkout aisles from certain stores based on customer feedback.
2025: Target Date for Eliminating Battery Cage Eggs from Walmart's Supply Chain
Walmart has set a target date of 2025 to completely transition away from eggs produced in battery cages within its supply chain.
2030: Original Target Date for "Project Gigaton"
The original target date for Walmart to achieve its "Project Gigaton" goal was 2030.
2030: Target Date for EV Charging Expansion
Walmart aims to complete the installation of EV charging stations at thousands of stores by 2030.