"Basic History Overview"

Wal-Mart's history is one of innovation, leadership and success. It started with a single store in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962 and has grown to what is now the world's largest - and arguably, the most emulated - retailer. Some researchers refer to Wal-Mart as the industry trendsetter. Today, this retailing pioneer has annual revenues of over $100 billion, 3,000 stores and more than 750,000 employees worldwide. Wal-Mart operates each store, from the products it stocks, to the front-end equipment that helps speed checkout, with the same philosophy: provide everyday low prices and superior customer service. Lower prices also eliminate the expense of frequent sales promotions and sales are more predictable. …show more content…

International expansion has been robust and will continue to be an important part of Wal-Mart's future growth opportunities. Certainly the Internet provides a growth avenue as well that will open a new faucet for them to potentially take over an upcoming market.
I really think that the growth opportunities for Wal-Mart are just beginning. Any company that can grow net income to $4.4 billion and yearly sales of $137 billion should make you do a double take. I personally feel that a trillion dollars in sales is not unreasonable.
3. Explain the importance of selling only brand-name merchandise to the Wal-Mart strategy.
The focus that Wal-Mart shares in all advertisements is service, low prices, and quality of goods. Wal-Mart is not a specialty shop focusing on one "good", they are innovative offering a selection based on consumers overall needs. They do have some brand name merchandise however do not have a specific section set aside for Polo Shirts. Unlike Wal-Mart, brand name stores in most circumstances, only offer their product at a price that is normally above affordable. These retailers rely on their name to sell; Wal-Mart relies on their convenience and low prices.
4. Choosing markets to enter is of major importance in global expansion. If you were in charge of Wal-Mart, what European country would you enter next? Why?