Premium Essay

Walmart's Global Challenge

In: Business and Management

Submitted By dgg955
Words 2589
Pages 11
Walmart’s Global Challenge, November 2014
Executive Summary

Walmart Stores, Inc. is the world's largest retailer whose mission is “to help people around the world save money and live better -- anytime and anywhere -- in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices” (Corporate Walmart2, 2014, p.1). Samuel Walton founded Walmart in 1962 as a small chain of stores in rural towns and today Walmart is a multi-national retail corporation with “11,100 stores under 71 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries” (Corporate Walmart2, 2014, p.3). Walmart Stores topped Fortune Magazine’s “Fortune 500” list for 2014. “For fiscal year 2014, Walmart’s net sales totaled $473.1 billion, up 1.6% from the year-earlier period” (Fortune, 2014, p.1).
Walmart is a publically traded company, with the second and third generation Walton family owning 51% of Walmart’s shares via a family holding company called Walton Enterprises LLC (Yahoo Finance, 2014, p.1). Walmart has enjoyed unprecedented growth in the span of 52 years, even in the face of negative publicity and threats from competitors like Family Dollar and Amazon. Walmart’s CEO, Doug McMillon, has laid out strategies to reduce their reliance on physical stores as they move towards expanding the e-commerce aspect of their company and on improving their overseas expansion plans. His four-part growth strategy provides the framework to enable a “company prepared to win on four key customer dimensions – price, assortment, experience and access” (Walmart1, 2014, p. 1).

Walmart Stores, Inc.

I. Current Situation Walmart is the world's largest retailer. They operate chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores.” (Walmart, 2014, p.1). Walmart had 2nd quarter 2015 revenues of $119.3 billion (Bloomberg, 2014, p.1). Walmart’s 2014 “consolidated net sales reached $473.1

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Walmart Essay

...Walmart is a United States based multinational retail store. Walmart Thrive by dominating the retail market and providing broad quantity of product at a low cost. Walmart’s has repeatedly proved its successful company strategy in many occasions. This Global retail giant have burgeoned almost in all countries where it expanded with very few exceptions. To reinforce its global expansion process Walmart acquired 51% of Massmart, South Africa second biggest retailer. Although the merger of this two large firms unfolds Walmart’s way into one of the world’s biggest potential market it won’t be simple. Poor legal system and weak securities, cultural and infrastructure barriers, financials, rivals criticism, resistance from local group and government will hinder the merger process. Walmart needs to be prepared to face these challenges and develop a strategy. In order to deal with the challenges Walmart should: 1. Learn from previous mistakes in North Korea and Germany. 2. Make use of high GDP growth in Africa and rising middle class. 3. Use Massmart successful network. 4. Create a positive Brand and company name. 5. Do what it is best at “dominate retail market” * Section 2: External environment: Walmart and Massmart are a big part of global discount retail industry. Walmart is one of the world’s biggest retail industry operating in 14 different nations apart from United States with yearly revenue...

Words: 1693 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Walmart’s Expansion in Africa: a New Exploration Strategy

...for everyone we’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it is like to save and have a better life”(Walton S.) Walmart’s company culture includes a list of values and beliefs it establishes through its management and employee relations. The company’s marketing efforts are to establish awareness that they are the price leaders in their market. In recent times, the company has focus on becoming involved more in local communities by charity and service. With the general instability of the global economy, corporations like to play it safe; Walmart is an example of a multinational which is making a bold move. Acquiring South African grocery chain Massmart offered Walmart a safe foothold to prepare for the next step, which is continental expansion. South Africa is arguably the most westernized country in Africa. Western companies in general perceive it as easier to do business there than in other African nations. II. SWOT ANALYSIS The SWOT analysis of Walmart shows that the company can have higher long-term success potential through aggressive global expansion, especially in retail markets in developing countries. Strengths: Walmart’s strengths are all related to the size of its business. These strengths enable the company to withstand threats despite its weaknesses. Walmart’s strengths for further global growth are: • Huge and loyal customer base • Global organizational size • Strong employee base • Strong financial position • Low price strategy, special buy and roll...

Words: 3069 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Wal-Mart Strategy

...Abstract Walmart is one of the world’s largest and most well-known retailers in the world today.   It has achieved great success in areas like Mexico and Canada; however it has also seen failures in other areas like Germany and Hong Kong.   This paper will discuss a brief history of Walmart’s global expansions and the strategies it chose to enter these markets.   It will answer the following specific questions: When did Walmart enter the global expansion? What international markets did Walmart enter? What cultural challenges has Walmart faced? How did Walmart overcome these challenges? Where future expansions and opportunities are possible? To answer these questions, this paper will have four basic sections: A brief history of Walmart’s global expansion, what was their strategy with each expansion, cultural differences they faced, and where is Walmart going in the future.   This paper will attempt to examine the strategies of its global expansion and how it used the challenges to continue success in future expansions.   Walmart is the most well-known and largest retailer in the world today; with sales worth more than $200 billion, $35 billion of that from Walmart’s International Division.   The company grew incredibly fast both in the United States and abroad.   By tweaking entry modes, and studying the cultural differences and local threats, the core business strategies Walmart chose to build its business on in America would prove a great success in other countries...

Words: 297 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Strategic Human Resources

...Running head: GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCES 1 Global Human Resources: How to create a successful global presence to insure the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission Student Name University Name Class Name Professor Name Date GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCES 2 Global Human Resources: How to create a successful global presence to insure the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission Walmart achieved great success with their “Every Day Low Prices” strategy. Through supplier negotiations, Walmart has enjoyed high profits resulting in their ability to maintain low operational costs and it turn, pass that savings on to their customers. While the company’s success was largely attributed to Walmart’s ability to maintain low prices and provide exceptional customer service, they also depended on their revolutionary internal distribution process (Farhoomand, 2006). At the time of their opening in Shenzhen, the biggest challenge Walmart faces were the 700 chain store companies that were already operating in China. Until 2005 when China officially lifted distribution restrictions for foreign companies, Walmart had been forced to rely on Chinese suppliers to outfit their stores. Brief analysis Walmart’s US supply chain includes their own distribution warehouses that are strategically located within a one-day drive of the stores it served, a Walmart-owned trucking fleet that was solely responsible for the physical distribution of inventory, and a robust information...

Words: 678 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Law 531

...a foreign chain to help invest in the country’s $400 billion retail sector (Pasricha, 2013). Walmart has said it would end its joint venture with Bharti Enterprise Limited amid continued difficulties navigating regulations on foreign investments. To continue the organizational success Walmart has achieved, the organization will need to continue to research several key factors. These factors include: India’s restrictive rules on foreign firm operations, the target market blunder, Walmart’s past efforts to penetrate the retail industry in India, and any challenges encountered in partnership with Bharti. Walmart ceases operations in India because of failed partnership and restrictive government regulations on foreign investments. Walmart’s Ethics Walmart set its business foundation on values and ethics that leads the company. The values that direct the company and leadership are three fundamental beliefs, which are respect, exceptional service to customers, and striving for excellence. Walmart’s guiding principles are put in position to assist employees to make informed, ethical decisions with integrity. Sam Walton set the following guiding principles for employees to follow (Walmart, 2008). * Act with integrity...

Words: 3595 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Walmart Global Discount Retailer Moves from Brink and Mortar to Click and Mortar

...Since San Walton opened his first store in 1962, Walmart has grown into a global retailer with more than 4,000 store in the United States and more than 6,000 internationally. Walmart is comprised of three business segments, Walmart US, Walmart International and Sam’s Club. Walmart Global eCommerce works across all three segments. Walmart’s mission statement “We save people money so they can live better”, is not indicative of where its strategic focus areas are, but it does sound good for the average customer who has a limited budget. This mission statement leads directly into Walmart Global eCommerce goals which include combining online, social innovations with physical stores to give consumers “anywhere, anytime shopping experience” in addition to its organizational sustainability goal of creating zero waste, using only sustainable energy and selling products that sustain the environment which is important to all of Walmart’s segments including eCommerce. Walmart’s overall objective is to deliver shareholder value by increasing earnings per share, returns and maintaining strong stable returns on investment. According to Walmart CEO, Mike Duke, Walmart’s strategic focus areas are: •Making sure the company has the best retail talent at every level of the organization by recruiting, developing and retaining the best associates; •Delivering on the productivity loop that enables Walmart to operate for less so the company can drive prices even lower for its customers ...

Words: 3940 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Facilitating Change/Walmart

...Facilitating Change Amy Hanley ORG/581 August 11, 2014 Facilitating Change As an organization grows, it is important to assess its structure and design. This is especially important as a company expands internationally, as workplace culture varies from country to country and these nuances can determine the success of the organization. This is includes considering the current structure and allocation of resources, identifying any potential challenges transitioning into a new environment, and then determining solutions to meet the needs of the organization within the confines of its new culture. As Walmart expands its operations into China, it is critical that leadership identifies organizational changes needed before establishing operations in that country. Current Structure and Organizational Design Walmart’s current organizational structure has the business broken into three segments- U.S., international, and Sam’s Club- all under the Walmart Stores, Incorporated umbrella. Each division has its own leadership team whose President is accountable to the President of Walmart Stores. Each division runs as its own independent business, giving them more flexibility to make decisions to directly impact the business within their division. Additionally, each division maintains its own real estate, human resources, marketing, and procurement/distribution departments. Overarching leadership across the three divisions include the Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer...

Words: 1273 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

International Analysis of Walmart

...Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, US, and Canada represent Walmart’s influence globally. Walmart employees 2.2 million people worldwide with 1.3 million in the US alone. At the end of fiscal 2013, Walmart’s domestic sales were $466.1 billion and international sales were 135 billion making Walmart number 2 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies by revenue (Walmart, 2013). Walmart’s internationalization ratio is 29%, outlining the percentage of international sales of total sales. International sales, as a percentage of total sales, are up roughly 5% since 2010 when international sales were 24.7% of total sales (Walmart, 2010). Walmart’s international presence is growing through expansion and a more multinational mindset. Walmart espouses a multinational mentality. Although the company realizes the need to have an efficient business model, the thought is “we sell what customers want” meaning that Walmart treats the different regions of the world as local domestic markets (Pennsylvania State University, 2013). As Walmart enters emerging markets, obstacles arise with integration and expansion. Multinational Strategy and Market Entry Mode Walmart’s multinational strategy of selling what customers want can often be a challenging undertaking. When Walmart chose to expand onto the African continent, it realized that working with existing...

Words: 1304 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Wal-Marts Organizational and Business Style

...The history of Walmart was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton in Rogers, Ark. It is an American multinational retail corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. They focus on making a difference in the lives of their customers, and helping customers and communities save money and live better. In 1969, the company officially incorporated as Walmart Stores, Inc. Walmart started its public trade on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. With the continued rapid growth, Walmart was operating in 11 states with 276 stores by the end of 70’s decade. In the 1980s, the first Sam's Club opened, serving small businesses and individuals, and the first Walmart Supercenter opened, combining a supermarket with general merchandise. In the late 1980s and early 1990s the company rose from a regional to national giant, Walmart was the number-one retailer in the nation. In 2000s, Walmart focus on offering customers a seamless shopping experience, whether they are online, in a store or on a mobile device. Also, during these times, Walmart put some effort in implement several environmental measures to increase energy efficiency. Today, the company has grown to be the world’s largest and arguably, the most emulated retailer. The social cultural segment is concerned with a society’s attitudes and cultural values. A major social cultural trend is the continued growth of suburban communities. The increasing number of people living in the suburbs has a number of effects...

Words: 1655 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Walmart's Global Strategies

...Walmart’s Global Strategies Jennifer D. Wright National American University: Management Across Cultures 1 March 2015 Abstract Walmart is one of the world’s largest and most well-known retailers in the world today. It has achieved great success in areas like Mexico and Canada; however it has also seen failures in other areas like Germany and Hong Kong. This paper will discuss a brief history of Walmart’s global expansions and the strategies it chose to enter these markets. It will answer the following specific questions:  When did Walmart enter the global expansion?  What international markets did Walmart enter?  What cultural challenges has Walmart faced?  How did Walmart overcome these challenges?  Where future expansions and opportunities are possible? To answer these questions, this paper will have four basic sections: A brief history of Walmart’s global expansion, what was their strategy with each expansion, cultural differences they faced, and where is Walmart going in the future. This paper will attempt to examine the strategies of its global expansion and how it used the challenges to continue success in future expansions.   Walmart is the most well-known and largest retailer in the world today; with sales worth more than $200 billion, $35 billion of that from Walmart’s International Division. The company grew incredibly fast both in the United States and abroad. By tweaking entry modes, and studying the cultural differences and local threats...

Words: 2945 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Global Culture

...WALMART SUCCESS IN MEXICO, CANADA AND CHINA: GLOBAL EXPANSION, STRATEGIES, ENTRY MODES, THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES Lee Yee Mun B1000922 Help College Of Arts and Technology Bachelor of Science in Collaboration with Southern New Hampshire University, USA lemon_0611@hotmail.com Rashad Yazdanifard Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Malaysia. rashadyazdanifard@yahoo.com 1 ABSTRACT Global expansion has been gaining a lot of attention. There are many important factors to be considered in the decision-making process such as business strategies, entry modes, and threats and opportunities in the markets. Appropriate strategies will minimize the risk of failure in international markets. The right business strategies and entry modes employed will increase the firm’s chances of success and influence the future of the retailer. Key words: global expansion, business strategies, entry modes, threats, opportunities, Walmart 1. Introduction The internalization of the retail industry has been researched widely, and majority of these studies have described the motivations and scales for international expansion by retailers (Akehurst & Alexander, 1995; Williams, 1992). Many models of internalization explains the sequence of foreign expansion, showing that companies who go international will do better in foreign markets that are similar to their domestic markets. This was why Walmart chose to enter the markets of Canada and Mexico (Johanson...

Words: 4898 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

Supply Chain Management

...founded in 1962 by Sam Walton and is considered one of the global giants in supply chain management. The company has become the world’s biggest retailer with the largest amount of sales per square foot, the highest inventory turnover rates, and net operating profit of any of its major competitors. This powerhouse manages approximately $32 billion in inventory and stocks products manufactured in more than 70 countries worldwide. With these kinds of numbers, it is vital that Walmart is able to continue to effectively and efficiently run its supply chain. The organization is dedicated to a business strategy that drives out costs and enables consumers to save money and live well. The way in which Walmart conducts business is distinctly different from its rival, Amazon, who also dominates the North American and global retail environment. Walmart has found continued success by working with fewer links in its supply chain, expanding strategic vendor partnerships, utilizing cross docking to replenish inventory, and embracing technology to track and restock inventory. Additionally, the company has made great strides in developing a highly structured and advanced supply chain by meeting customer demands and achieving cost structures that allows them to provide low everyday pricing on products. As with any company, Walmart has faced many challenges within its supply chain and continues to execute strategies to overcome such challenges. In the 21st century, Walmart can achieve sustainability...

Words: 2674 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Walmart Amazon Supply Chain

...5 1.1.4 Inventory management 6 1.2 Amazon 8 2. Strategic Alliances 9 2.1 Walmart 9 2.2 Amazon 10 3. Technologies employed in the SC Network 11 3.1 Walmart 11 3.2 amazon 13 4. Challenges and risks 14 4.1 Walmart 14 4.2 Amazon 15 5. Comparison of sustainable strategies in Supply Chains 16 conclusion 17 References: 18 Appendices: 19 Section A: 19 Section B: 19 Section C: 20 Introduction: Executive summary: This report provides an analysis and evaluation of the current supply chain strategies employed by two leading retail corporates, Walmart and Amazon. The report draws attention to the following aspects; supply chain management practices, strategic alliances, Information Technology, challenges and risks,finally sustainability in the supply chain. Method of the analysis includes reviewing a collection academic journals from different databases, analysing company’s annual reports and viewing news article for new trends and announcements about the company. The finding of this paper shows how both companies apply different supply chain models to support their business strategy but yet some similarities appear especially in technology aspect of the supply chain.  Moreover common risks and challenges face both companies when it comes to global expansion....

Words: 3354 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

International Business

...Context: 1. Introduction 2 2. Background of Wal-Mart stores Inc. 3 3. Retail organization internatinalization expension 4 4. International Expansion of Wal-Mart in Maxico,china and canada 5 5. Comparison of Entry Modes 6 6. comparison of Opportunities 7 7. Final touch 8 8. Conclusion 9 9.Bibliography 10 1. Introduction: Being present and having to enter foreign markets is for many companies natural, while for other it is a new challenge that they have to face. This challenge, known as market entry, consists of three major decisions: where to enter, when to enter and how to enter different markets. Some companies are forced to internationalize in the early stages of their life due to small saturated home markets, while other companies choose to go abroad because of the great opportunities new markets might bring (Peng, 2006). Once deciding to go abroad and choosing the target market and timing, companies' need to consider the choice of entry modes. Generally, to choose international firm there are six different entry modes: exporting, turnkey projects, licensing, franchising, joint ventures, wholly owned subsidiary (Hill, 2004). Each entry mode its distinctive characteristics (see, e.g., Hill, 2004; Hill, et al, 1990; Hill and kim, 1988; Anderson and Gatignon, 1986; Madhok, 1997; Brouthers and Brouthers, 2000; Bishop 2006. Selecting a suitable entry mode is a difficult decision for firms interested in entering a foreign market (Agarwal and Ramaswami, 1992). Sometimes...

Words: 5309 - Pages: 22

Premium Essay

Mgtm

...INFORMATION ON WALMART'S SUPPLY CHAIN POLICIES Name College ABSTRACT: Walmart is an internationally known corporation with locations throughout the world. From its very humble beginnings, this firm has made significant strides in the creation and maintenance of a healthy and thriving supply chain. Nevertheless, all businesses have areas that present challenges, and Walmart is no different. This report will evaluate six areas of Walmart's supply chain, as well as the potential problems associated with each component. Walmart would not be nearly as successful as it is today without having plans for when parts of its program breakdown, and these are examined here, too. Finally, we discuss the value of a quality and reliable supply chain for overall viability in the market. Information on Walmart's Supply Chain Policies I have chosen to write my essay on the universally known and internationally successful firm, Walmart. Regarding background data, Walmart began in the late 1960s. Amazingly, Walmart grew rapidly throughout the 1970s, expanding to over 275 stores by the end of 1970. The domination continued, with Walmart adding additional features and brands to its already huge corporation, ultimately creating one of the world's most well known retail stories. Although there are many unique points that make up Walmart's retail success, one of the most important includes the capitalization of Walmart's retail chain. Walmart...

Words: 1175 - Pages: 5