Walmart became the world’s largest retailer by revenue and is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Walmart was founded by Sam Walton, who opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962. Walton’s strategy emphasized low prices, high sales volume, and efficient distribution. The business incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1969.
The company expanded from discount stores into supercenters, warehouse clubs through Sam’s Club, grocery retail, e-commerce, and financial services. Its large store and logistics network made it one of the most influential retailers in the United States and internationally.
Walmart changed its corporate name from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to Walmart Inc. in 2018. Revenue rankings and market capitalization measure different things: revenue records sales, while market capitalization measures the stock market value of a public company’s shares.