Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962.
Walton opened the first Walmart store on July 2, 1962. The company emphasized low prices and efficient distribution, initially focusing on smaller towns that large retail chains often overlooked. Its first store operated under the name Wal-Mart Discount City.
The company incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1969 and became publicly traded in 1970. It later expanded internationally and added Sam’s Club warehouses and e-commerce operations.
In 2008, the company introduced the one-word brand spelling Walmart, and in 2018 the corporate name changed from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to Walmart Inc. The company’s shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker WMT.