The history of Walmart is a journey from one small store in a provincial town in the US to a global corporation that changed the rules of world retail. Based on the principles of efficiency, scalability, and constant cost reduction, the company has become a symbol of mass retail and logistical excellence.
The beginning: Sam Walton's idea
The history of Walmart begins in 1962 when entrepreneur Sam Walton opened the first Walmart Discount City store in Rogers, Arkansas. His key idea was simple yet revolutionary: to sell goods at the lowest possible prices, earning through volume sales rather than high margins.
Before Walmart, retail in the US was built around small stores with limited assortments and high markups. Walton bet on large retail spaces, a wide selection of goods, and efficient supply chain management.
Growth and scaling
In 1970, Walmart went public, allowing it to attract capital for rapid expansion. The company began actively opening stores in small and medium-sized cities that large chains had not previously entered. This gave Walmart a strategic advantage and a loyal customer base.
Key growth factors:
centralized logistics and proprietary distribution centers;
early implementation of IT systems for inventory management;
strict cost control at all levels;
direct negotiations with suppliers without intermediaries.
Global expansion
Since the 1990s, Walmart began entering international markets: Mexico, Canada, the UK, China, and other countries. The company adapted its business model to local markets while maintaining the key principle of Everyday Low Prices.
Today, Walmart operates in dozens of countries, combining offline retail, e-commerce, and marketplace models.
The era of digital transformation
In the 2010s, Walmart made a strategic focus on digitalization and competition with Amazon. The company actively develops:
proprietary e-commerce platforms and marketplaces;
omnichannel sales (online + offline);
automation of warehouses and logistics;
fintech and data solutions.
The significance of Walmart
Walmart is not just a chain of stores but a large-scale logistics and technology ecosystem that:
is one of the largest employers in the world;
influences global supply chains;
shapes pricing policies in retail;
sets standards for scalable business.
Outcome
The history of Walmart is an example of how strategic thinking, operational discipline, and customer orientation can build a world-class business. The principles laid down by Sam Walton over 60 years ago remain the foundation of the company's resilience and leadership.
