Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Arkansas in 1962.
The store opened in Rogers, Arkansas, under the name Wal-Mart Discount City. Walton had already operated variety stores through the Ben Franklin franchise system, but the new format focused on discount retailing in smaller towns.
Walmart's early growth was built around low prices, high sales volume, and efficient distribution. Walton also emphasized close observation of competitors and store-level customer service. The company expanded beyond Arkansas and became one of the world's largest retailers.
The first Walmart location is sometimes confused with Walton's earlier stores. His first variety store, Walton's 5&10, opened in Newport, Arkansas, in 1950. That business predates Walmart but was not the first Walmart-branded discount store.