Walmart Incorporated is a corporation that runs superstores, department stores, and grocery stores that can be found in several countries. A man named Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas. By 1967 The Walton family owned 24 stores, ringing up almost $13 million in sales. In 1969 the company became incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. In 1970 Walmart became a publicly traded company; and in 1972 Walmart was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (WMT) and the company recorded nearly 80 million dollars in sales at their 51 stores.
By the early 1980s the company established the Walmart Foundation which was initiated to help support the communities Walmart serves. Some of the ways the Walmart Foundation is giving back to communities include: increasing inclusive opportunity throughout retail and related sectors, advancing sustainability, and assisting communities with disaster relief. In 1987 Sam Walton and his wife Helen established the Walton Family Foundation. Some of the goals of the Walton Family Foundation are to improve K-12 education, and advancing the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta.
A customer shopping in the frozen foods section.
In 1993 Walmart celebrated its first $1 billion sales week and by the following year Walmart expanded into Canada with the purchase of 122 Woolco stores. Walmart rang in the 21st century by launching their website which allowed Customers in the United States to shop online. In 2005 Walmart made the major announcement that it would commit to producing zero waste, using only renewable energy, and selling products that sustain people and the environment. In 2010 Walmart launched a global commitment to sustainable agriculture while still providing customers access to affordable food. Also in 2010 Walmart committed $2 billion through the end of 2015 to help end hunger in the United States. Walmart has made a commitment to becoming the most trusted retailer by 2025 in regards to sustainability.
In 2013 Walmart stores in the United States announced they will hire any honorably discharged veteran within their first year off active duty. In 2018 The company changed its legal name from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to Walmart Inc. By 2019 Walmart was offering InHome Delivery from their website in certain locations.
Today Walmart Superstores sell many items including automotive, groceries, clothes, pharmaceuticals, sporting goods, tools, and electronics. Some locations also have optical dispensaries.
