Walmart Case Study 2003

Case Study Analysis

Wal-Mart’s Current Strategy and Challenges

Executive Summary

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is the largest retail company in the United States. Their corporate strategy is four parts: Dominance in the retail market, expansion in the U.S. and International markets, creation of positive brand and company recognition and branch out into new sectors of retail.

We will answer some questions and discuss to better understand Wal-Mart’s strategies. What are the threats and challenges Wal-Mart is facing? What priorities did CEO Lee Scott set in his “Wal-Mart: 21st Century Leadership” address? Discuss initiatives outlined in “Supplemental Benefits Documentation: Board of Directors Retreat FY06”. Was damage done to Wal-Mart by the leaking to the public of the Board Benefits Strategy Document? Provide comments on recent Wal-Mart initiatives from strategy and public relations. Discuss Wal-Mart’s strategic social challenges. Did the 2003 case study provide the evidence of what Wal-Mart is facing?

There are a few recommendations which could make the company work better. Wal-Mart has been criticized for their opposition to allowing their employees to be unionized, and they need to better explain their position. Recently, they have been targeted for their low wages and lack of benefits offered to their associates. Develop a public relations strategy to deal with negative threats. Wal-Mart must address their threats and challenges to enjoy continued success in creating positive name recognition. Wal-Mart will need to implement these recommendations so they can remain at the top, while keeping a good reputation and maintaining their name synonymous with cheap prices and good quality merchandise.

Q1 What threats and challenges is Wal-Mart facing?

Labor relation issues, cost-cutting effects, other retail companies and public relations are some of the threats and challenges Wal-Mart is facing. Given the nature of this economy, retailers...