Elizabeth Reel
Robert Kramer
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Stock Market Project
April 22, 2007
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
History and Business
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the number one retailer in the world. They are dedicated to low prices, great customer service and contributing to the community. Let me take a few minutes to take you through the time-line of how Wal-Mart grew to be the corporation it is today.
The first Wal-Mart store opened in 1962 in Rogers. Arkansas. In 1969 Wal-Mart became incorporated. The first distribution center opened in 1970 and Wal-Mart was put in the New York Stock Exchange. By 1985 Wal-Mart had 882 stores and made $8.5 billion. In the 1990’s Wal-Mart became the nation’s number one retailer and in 1991 they became and international company with the opening of a Wal-Mart in Mexico City. Wal-Mart became a major success and in 1992 President George Bush awarded Sam Walton the highest civilian award achievable, the Medal of Freedom. April 5, 1992 Sam Walton passed away after a long battle with cancer. A few years later Wal-Mart became the number one employer in the United States and was later ranked the number one Corporate Citizen in America. For exhibiting exceptional dedication to raising awareness and support for United States service members and their families, Wal-Mart was awarded the Corporate Patriotism Award in 2004 (Wal-Mart, 2007).
Sam’s 3 Basic Beliefs: Respect for the individual, service to our customers and strive for excellence (Wal-Mart, 2007). Don Soderquist, Senior Vice Chairman (retired) of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said, “’Our people make the difference’ is not a meaningless slogan-it’s a reality a ...