Walmart is the retail company founded by Sam Walton in 1962 that became one of the world’s largest companies by market capitalization.
Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, on July 2, 1962. The business expanded by emphasizing low prices, high sales volume, efficient distribution, and stores located in smaller towns as well as major metropolitan areas.
Walmart was incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1969 and became publicly traded in 1970. Its retail operations grew to include supercenters, discount stores, neighborhood markets, and an extensive e-commerce business. The company also operates Sam’s Club warehouse stores.
Walmart’s market capitalization varies with its stock price, so its exact position among the world’s richest companies changes over time. A common mix-up is confusing Walmart with Sam’s Club: Sam’s Club is a Walmart-owned membership warehouse division, not the parent company itself.