values and philosophies that Wal-Mart expanded.Wal-Mart has grown above and beyond the Arkansas store that opened thirty-nine years ago. It serves more than 100 million customers weekly in all of the 50 states, plus Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Argentina, and South Korea. Wal-Mart’s current operating numbers are:Wal-Mart Stores1,736 SuperCenters888SAM’s Clubs475Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets19Wal-Mart International Units1072 Distribution Centers62Total Worldwide Associates1,240,000Wal-Mart’s financial numbers have grown substantially as well. At the end of the fiscal year 2000, total company sales reached $191 billion dollars. This was an increase over the previous year of 15.9%. Total international sales amounted to $32 billion dollars at the end of the 2000 fiscal year, which was an increase of 41% over the previous year. Wal-Mart is widely recognized as one of the leading discount variety store chains. It is the nations largest discount department store chain, and also one of the largest discounters in the nation in terms of sales dollars. Internal Strengths and WeaknessesStrengths Nation’s largest discount department store chain. A company with a very defined mission set by Sam Walton. Good distribution concepts with no one store more than 6 hrs. away from warehouse. Constant expansion over lifetime of company. Offers a variety of merchandise for its consumers. Valued their employees and consumers happiness. “Everyday Low prices” advertising campaign. First retailer to embrace “green” marketing. Inventory Control system is the best in retail industry. Support of different community activities. Company’s Name.Weaknesses Illustrates low prices and at the same time, not portray a cheap image to consumer. Viewed by some consumers as Mo...
