Wal-mart A Retail Legend

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Question...where can you shop for electronics, clothes, and groceries, get your oil changed, go to the bank, see the optometrists and pick up a medical prescription? The answer is Wal-Mart. Best known for, everyday low prices, Wal-Mart’s history is one of innovation, leadership, and success.

Brief History of Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart was founded by Sam Walton who was born in March 1918 in the town of Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Graduating from the University of Missouri, Sam enlisted in the Army in support of the World War II effort. Upon his return, Sam worked for a while at the J.C. Penney group of stores as a manager in training. While there he began to realize that opportunities existed in the large scale discount retailing business (nickel and dime stores). The idea and business philosophy of Wal-Mart borrowed from the nickel and dime stores of earlier times, and consisted of getting National Brands in bulk at a discount based on volume purchases; the company would then stamp its mark and resell the goods at a slight markup, this rate being however less than the other competing Mom and Pop stores across the United States. This philosophy was so successful that it has eventually led to Wal-Mart's becoming the single largest private employer across the USA. Sam Walton opened the first Wal-Mart store in Rogers Arkansas, in 1962, which specialized in providing name-brand products at low prices. The chain of Wal-Mart stores eventually sprang up all across rural America and by 1991; Wal-Mart was the largest U.S. retailer with over 1,700 stores.

Keys to Success

Many would agree that Wal-Mart has accomplished the number one ranking in the Fortune 500, because of its commitment to the company’s Three Basic Beliefs and Values. As state...

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...pand globally, and achieve the success that it has today. This success is due to the company’s belief in respecting the individuals employed by the company, going above and beyond to provide excellent service to the customer and striving for excellence each and every day that Wal-Mart stores are open for business. Having been able to obtain such high standards, it’s no wonder why Wal-Mart has achieved the number one spot on the Fortune 500 list.

Works Cited

(n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2008, from Walmart.com: http://walmartstores.com

Murphy, S. (2007, July). The Walmart.com Way. Chain Store Age , p. 80.

Shinkle, K. (2008). Wal-Mart Surges as Economy Sinks; Earnings and sales are up as consumers look for lower prices. U.s. News & World Report , 1-2.

Tong, C. H.-I. (2000). Exploring the Cornerstone of Wal-Marts Success and Competitiveness. CR Col 16 No.2 , 143-149.

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