Wal-Mart Analysis

Walmart Overview

As one of the original developers of the concept that is discount retail, founder Sam Walton opened his first Walmart retail store in Rogers, AR I n1962. Walmart saw an economic opportunity and made an impact on the retail industry by changing the way business was run by increasing consumer benefits. This is where the customer loyalty came from, regardless of where you shop; they dominate and offer the best price along with an array of household goods and services. The overall success of Walmart has been predominantly based on its ability to leverage the latest technology to provide a means of shortening and making best use of the logistics required to resupply its thousands of stores in the most effective and efficient manner possible.

Though not the only one, Walmart is one of the first stores to embrace the idea of discount retailing. “The Retail - Discount Stores industry consists of companies engaged in the operation of stores offering a diversified product line at a discount. The industry also includes discount stores with auxiliary Internet and mail order facilities” (New York Times, 2011). Its founder, Sam Walton, was keen on ensuring his company focuses on customer service by providing the best shopping experience for the dollar presented. A vision that established some of his company’s values, Sam Walton was reported as saying, “If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone…we’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life” (Walton, (Unknown), ¶ 1). Though altruistic in many cases the company discovered a way to support its claims by giving back to the consumer in the form of lower prices. Thus it established an important relationship that the organization endeavors to perpetuate not just in the market place but with its employees or “associates” as well.

Mission & Values & Strategies

Starting with the foundation, Walmart was built on the core values of respect for...