Walmart

Jim Walton, the third and youngest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, was born on June 7, 1948, in Newport, Arkansas. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing at the University of Arkansas in 1971.

The opening of Walton's 5&10 marked the beginning of the retail empire that would later become Walmart.

Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in Arkansas in 1962 after being inspired by the work of Price and Sinegal at FedMart in California.

In 1962, Sam Walton established Walmart as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Arkansas.

On July 2, 1962, Sam Walton opens the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas. This marked the beginning of Walmart's journey to becoming one of the world's largest retailers.

In 1965, Walmart opened its fourth store in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

In the same year, Walmart further expanded with the opening of its seventh store in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The total number of stores owned by the Waltons reached 24, generating $12.6 million in sales.

In 1968, a record number of six Walmart stores were opened in Morrilton and Mountain Home, Arkansas; Tahlequah and Claremore, Oklahoma; and Sikeston and Carthage, Missouri.

In 1969, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. becomes incorporated on October 31, setting the stage for its transformation into a retail giant. This event marked a pivotal moment in Walmart's history.

In the 1970s, five new Walmart stores were opened in Arkansas and Missouri, including a 30,000-square-foot Walmart in Newport, Arkansas. This expansion marked a significant growth for the company in the region.

Walmart became a publicly-traded company in 1970.

In 1971, Walmart opens its first distribution center and Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas.

In 1972, Jim Walton joined the family business, Walmart, after earning a pilot's license and traveling extensively.

In 1974, the 100th Walmart store was opened across the street from the Walmart Home Office in Bentonville.

The partnership between Walmart and IBM is established after Sam Walton attends an IBM class for executives in June 1975.

In 1978, Sam Walton introduced the Walmart cheer after being inspired by a visit to a Korean manufacturing facility.

In 1979, Walmart achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company to reach $1 billion in sales in a short period, showcasing its rapid growth and success.

By 1980, Walmart had experienced rapid expansion, solidifying its position as a major player in the retail industry. This growth laid the foundation for its future success.

In 1987, Walmart celebrates its 25th anniversary, signifying a significant milestone in the company's history.

In the 1990s, Walmart experienced rapid growth and expansion, with the company's sales quadrupling to $32 billion by 1990. Walmart also acquired The McLane Company, a food service distributor, and expanded into several new states.

In 1991, Walmart expanded internationally by opening its first store outside the United States in Mexico City. The company also acquired Western Merchandisers, Inc. and launched the Sam's American Choice brand of products.

On March 17, 1992, US President George H. W. Bush presented Sam Walton with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his contributions. Sam Walton passed away on April 5, 1992, and was succeeded by his eldest son, S. Robson Walton.

Walmart achieves a significant milestone by reaching its first $1 billion sales week, marking a major success in the company's history.

Walmart makes a strategic move by acquiring 122 Woolco stores in Canada, signaling its entry into the Canadian market.

In 1995, Bud Walton, the co-founder of Walmart, passes away, leaving a lasting impact on the company's values and principles.

Walmart establishes its presence in the Chinese market by launching its first stores in the country, marking a significant expansion for the company.

In 1997, Walmart celebrated a remarkable achievement by reaching $100 billion in sales, solidifying its position as a global retail leader.

In 2001, Walmart's total sales surpassed those of Exxon Mobil, making it the largest corporation in the world. This achievement solidified Walmart's position as a global leader in the retail industry.

In 2002, Walmart made an investment in Seiyu, marking its entry into the Japanese market.

In 2004, black employees sued Walmart for denying them jobs based on race, leading to a high-profile case where Reverend Jesse Jackson intervened and spoke during the proceedings.

On December 3, 2008, the family of Walmart service worker Jdimytai Damour, who was killed in a stampede on Black Friday, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Walmart, alleging the corporation's encouragement of a mass number of customers to enter the store simultaneously.

In 2009, Walmart acquired a majority stake in D&S S.A., marking its entry into the Chilean market.

In 2012, Walmart celebrated 50 years of providing affordable products and helping people save money, emphasizing its commitment to improving the lives of its customers.

In December 2013, Walmart inaugurated its inaugural store in the District of Columbia, marking a significant expansion for the retail giant.

By the end of 2015, Walmart committed $2 billion to help end hunger in the United States, demonstrating its dedication to addressing food insecurity and making a positive impact on local communities.

In 2016, Walmart inaugurated its first training Academy in South Carolina, with plans to establish 200 such locations in stores across the U.S.

More than 1 million associates benefit from wage rate increases and expanded maternity and parental leave benefits.

In response to the new tax law, Walmart announced on January 11, 2018, that it would increase starting wages, provide bonuses, enhance leave policies, and support employee adoptions. Walmart's CEO, Doug McMillon, highlighted the company's commitment to investing in its workforce and business growth.

In 2019, the first Walmart Health Center was opened, marking a significant step for Walmart in providing healthcare services to its customers.

Walmart marks its 60th Anniversary, reflecting on its history and growth over the decades.

A report suggests that Walmart should continue to lead the pharmacy sector and expand its presence in health care services.