Walmart company information and organizational overview

Wal-Mart Company Information

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is one of the largest retailers in the world today. In addition to having more than 3,600 facilities in the United States, Wal-Mart has extended its chain to over 1,540 facilities in other countries as well. Other countries that house these facilities are Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, China, Korea, Germany, and the United Kingdom ("Wal-Mart facts," 2005).

Wal-Mart has four retail divisions, in the retail industry, which are Wal-Mart Super centers, Discount Stores, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club Warehouses. Wal-Mart offers a wide variety of merchandise that tends to appeal to a wide variety of people, such as clothing for men, women, and children, grocery, sporting goods, electronics, toys, beauty aids, etc. Wal-Mart also has specialty divisions within its stores, which often appeal to many, such as Tire and Lube Express, Wal-Mart Optical, Wal-Mart Pharmacy, Wal-Mart vacations, and Wal-Mart Used Fixture Auctions. Recently, Wal-Mart has looked into appealing, additionally to those that are more affluent, by wanting to offer organic foods, as well as more named brand items. This will develop over time and as Wal-Mart continues its mission to appeal and employ a diverse group of people.

A little history behind Wal-Mart can begin with founder Sam Walton. Mr. Walton had a passion for customer satisfaction and every day low prices. In 1962, the first Wal-Mart opened in Rogers, Arkansas. In 1969, the company was renamed and was incorporated to be Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Then, in 1970, the first distribution center and home office in Bentonville, Arkansas opened. In 1979, annual sales had topped $1 billion. In 1983, the Sam's Club warehouse concept was introduced. In 1988, the first Super center opened. Then in 1991, the first international facility opened in Mexico City ("Wal-Mart facts," 2005).

Wal-Mart had become a big household name, by this time. Wal-Mart was named "Retailer of the Century" by Discount Store News. It also made FORTUNE magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and was ranked on Financial Times, "Most Respected in the World" list. The awards go on and on for one of the most valued and respected companies.

Wal-Mart currently has its home office at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Arkansas, 72716-8611. Consumers may write, e-mail, or call Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. For customer service or for any comments, suggestions, or questions.

There are a variety of people working for Wal-Mart that strive to make Wal-Mart successful everyday, such as directors and senior officers. There are several significant officers and shareholders that keep things running smoothly. First of all, let's look at S. Robson Walton. Mr. S. Robson Walton is the son of the late Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., a position he has held since 1992.

Since joining Wal-Mart in 1969, Rob has served in many capacities, as Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel and Vice Chairman. Before his employment at Wal-Mart, Rob was a lawyer in private practice, as a partner with the law firm of Conner and Winters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rob attended Wooster College and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He received a Juris doctor degree in 1969 from the Columbia University School of Law in New York. Rob is also a Trustee at Wooster College ("Wal-Mart," 2005).

An interesting story is that of B. Kevin Turner. Mr. B. Kevin Turner is the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of SAM'S CLUB. Kevin is also a member of the Executive Committee for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. He is responsible for overseeing all operations for the SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. Prior to this position, Kevin served as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Information Systems Division (ISD) for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., a position he held since February 2000. He was responsible for overseeing all ISD operations of the company worldwide.