tes more than 2,100 discount stores (including more than 100 Super Kmart Centers) in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, as well as online subsidiary BlueLight.com. Wal-Mart Stores is an irresistible (or at least unavoidable) retail force that has yet to meet any immovable objects. Bigger than Sears, Kmart, and J. C. Penney combined, it is the world's #1 retailer, with more than 4,150 stores. Most of its stores are in the US, but Wal-Mart is expanding internationally; it is the #1 retailer in Canada and Mexico. Wal-Mart also has operations in South America, Asia, and Europe. Founder Sam Walton's heirs own about 38% of Wal-Mart. Their major financial data are as listed below(As of Nov 16, 2001);Competitive Landscape Toys ''R'' UsK-B ToysKmartWal-MartAnnual Sales ($mil.)11,332.002,000.0037,028.00191,329.00Employees69,00013,000252,0001,244,000Market Value ($mil.)4,486.70--3,106.00246,129.50Industry-wide technological developmentsWhen people hear the name Toys "R" Us, they think back to when they were kids of going into a store made with bricks and mortar and leaving with mom in one hand and the latest toy in other and a great big smile from cheek to cheek. As time passed the pressure for companies to enter the "clicks" of e-commerce became strong. In 1998 Toysrus.com, a subsidiary of Toys "R" Us opened in attempts to "be wherever our customers are, and that includes the Internet." Having a strong brand recognition, there were no doubts that Toy "R" Us could continue their successful tradition by holding on to their vision, which is to "put joy in kids' hearts and a smile on parents' faces", even on the Internet. Toys R Us.com is Currently the worlds leading online authority for children’s accessories. The company operates three co-branded online stores on the Amazon.com platform, including Toysrus.com, the No. 1 online store for toys and video games on the web, Babierus.com,the No. 1 best-selling baby and juv...
