Walmart

==History==
{{Main|History of Walmart}}
{{Recentism|section|date=June 2020}}

===1945–1969: Early history===
[[File:Sam-Walton.jpg|thumb|right|Founder [[Sam Walton]]]]
[[File: Walton's Five and Dime store, Bentonville, Arkansas.jpg|thumb|Sam Walton's original Walton's Five and Dime Store in [[Bentonville, Arkansas]], now serving as The Walmart Museum|alt=Picture of Sam Walton's original Five and Dime store in Bentonville, Arkansas, now serving as The Walmart Museum.]]

In 1945, businessman and former [[J. C. Penney]] employee [[Sam Walton]] bought a branch of the [[Ben Franklin (company)|Ben Franklin]] stores from the [[Butler Brothers]].<ref name="madeinamerica">{{cite book |author = Walton, Sam |author2 = Huey, John |title = Sam Walton: Made in America: My Story |place = New York |publisher = Bantam |year = 1993 |isbn = 978-0-553-56283-5 }}</ref> His primary focus was selling products at low prices to get higher-volume sales at a lower profit margin, portraying it as a crusade for the consumer. He experienced setbacks because the lease price and branch purchase were unusually high, but he was able to find lower-cost suppliers than those used by other stores and was consequently able to undercut his competitors on pricing.<ref name="a">{{cite web |url = http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/2375.html |title = Sam Walton: Great From the Start – HBS Working Knowledge |first = Richard S. |last = Tedlow |date = July 23, 2001 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110606044751/http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/2375.html |archive-date = June 6, 2011}}</ref> Sales increased 45 percent in his first year of ownership to {{US$|105,000}} in revenue, which increased to $140,000 the next year and $175,000 the year after that. Within the fifth year, the store was generating $250,000 in revenue. The lease then expired for the location and Walton was unable to reach an agreement for renewal, so he opened up a new store at 105 N. Main Street in Bentonville, naming it "Walton's Five and Dime".<ref name="a"/><ref name="BriefHistory">{{cite news |author = Frank, T.A. |url = http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=13796 |title = A Brief History of Wal-Mart |work = Washington Monthly |date = April 1, 2006 |access-date = July 24, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060721005501/http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=13796 |archive-date = July 21, 2006}}</ref> That store is now the Walmart Museum.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/history/the-walmart-museum |title = The Walmart Museum |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150204210648/http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/history/the-walmart-museum |archive-date = February 4, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Walmart Logo 1962.svg|thumbnail|right|Wal-Mart logo from 1962 to 1964]]

On July 2, 1962, Walton opened the first Wal-Mart Discount City store at 719 W. Walnut Street in [[Rogers, Arkansas]]. Its design was inspired by [[Ann & Hope]], which Walton visited in 1961, as did [[Kmart (United States)|Kmart]] founder [[Harry B. Cunningham]].<ref>{{cite book|title=How to be a Billionaire: Proven Strategies from the Titans of Wealth|url=https://archive.org/details/howtobebillionai00mart|url-access=registration|last=Fridson|first=Martin S.|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|year=1999|isbn=0-471-33202-X}}<!--|access-date=November 11, 2007 --> p. 84.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.valleybreeze.com/2020-06-29/cumberland-lincoln-area/ann-hope-closing-all-outlet-stores |title='Ann & Hope closing all outlet stores': The Valley Breeze, July 29, 2020 |date=June 29, 2020 |access-date=March 24, 2021 |archive-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015092300/https://www.valleybreeze.com/2020-06-29/cumberland-lincoln-area/ann-hope-closing-all-outlet-stores |url-status=live }}</ref> The name was derived from [[FedMart]], a chain of discount department stores founded by [[Sol Price]] in 1954, whom Walton was also inspired by. Walton stated that he liked the idea of calling his discount chain "Wal-Mart" because he "really liked Sol's FedMart name". The building is now occupied by a hardware store and an antiques mall, while the company's "Store #1" has since expanded to a Supercenter several blocks west at 2110 W. Walnut Street. Within its first five years, the company expanded to 18 stores in [[Arkansas]] and reached $9&nbsp;million in sales.<ref name="discountcity">{{cite web |url = https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/transform/cron.html |title = The Rise of Walmart |work = Frontline: Is Wal-Mart Good for America? |date = November 16, 2004 |access-date = September 19, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930063957/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/transform/cron.html |archive-date = September 30, 2007}}</ref> In 1968, it opened its first stores outside Arkansas in [[Sikeston, Missouri]] and [[Claremore, Oklahoma]].<ref name="timeline">{{cite web |url = http://www.walmartfacts.com/content/default.aspx?id=3 |title = The Wal-Mart Timeline |publisher = Wal-Mart |access-date = July 24, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060719071543/http://www.walmartfacts.com/content/default.aspx?id=3 |archive-date = July 19, 2006 }}</ref>

===1969–1990: Incorporation and growth as a regional power===
[[File:Wal-Mart Logo 1977.svg|thumb|Wal-Mart logo from 1966 to 1981]]

The company was [[Incorporation (business)|incorporated]] under [[Delaware General Corporation Law]] as Wal-Mart, Inc. on October 31, 1969, and changed its name to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1970. The same year, the company opened a home office and first distribution center in [[Bentonville, Arkansas]]. It had 38&nbsp;stores operating with 1,500 employees and sales of $44.2&nbsp;million. It began trading stock as a [[Public company|publicly held company]] on October 1, 1970, and was soon listed on the [[New York Stock Exchange]]. The first [[stock split]] occurred in May 1971 for $47 per share. By this time, Wal-Mart was operating in five states: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma; it entered Tennessee in 1973 and Kentucky and Mississippi in 1974. As the company moved into Texas in 1975, there were 125&nbsp;stores with 7,500 employees and total sales of $340.3&nbsp;million.<ref name="timeline"/>

[[File:Walmart 1980s Logo.svg|thumb|Wal-Mart logo from 1981 to 1992]]

In the 1980s, Wal-Mart briefly experimented with a precursor to the Supercenter, the Hyper-Mart. Four stores combined features of discount stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, video arcades, and other amenities.<ref name="Volpe"/> Wal-Mart continued to grow rapidly, and by the company's 25th anniversary in 1987, there were 1,198 Wal-Mart stores with sales of $15.9&nbsp;billion and 200,000 associates.<ref name="timeline"/> One reason for Wal-Mart's success between 1980 and 2000 is believed to be its contiguous pattern of expansion over time, building new distribution centers in a hub and spoke framework within driving distance of existing Supercenters.<ref name="Volpe"/>

The company's satellite network was also completed in 1987, a $24&nbsp;million investment linking all stores with two-way voice and data transmissions and one-way video communications with the Bentonville office. At the time, the company was the largest private satellite network, allowing the corporate office to track inventory and sales and to instantly communicate with stores.<ref name="satellite">{{cite web|last=Ranade|first=Sudhanshu|url=http://www.blonnet.com/2005/07/17/stories/2005071700141600.htm|title=Satellite Adds Speed to Wal-Mart|work=[[Business Line]]|date=July 17, 2005|access-date=July 24, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927012640/http://www.blonnet.com/2005/07/17/stories/2005071700141600.htm|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref> By 1984, Sam Walton had begun to source between 6% and 40% of his company's products from China.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hornblower |first=Sam |date=November 23, 2004 |title=Wal-Mart & China: A Joint Venture |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/secrets/wmchina.html |work=Frontline |access-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224200001/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/secrets/wmchina.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1988, Walton stepped down as CEO and was replaced by [[David Glass (businessman)|David Glass]].<ref name=" LA Times 88">{{cite news|title=David Glass Named CEO of Wal-Mart Inc.|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1988-02-02/business/fi-40122_1_david-glass|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=February 2, 1988|access-date=February 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306204802/http://articles.latimes.com/1988-02-02/business/fi-40122_1_david-glass|archive-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref> Walton remained as chairman of the board. During this year, the first Wal-Mart Supercenter opened in [[Washington, Missouri|Washington, MO]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-history|access-date=January 2, 2021|website=Corporate – US|archive-date=February 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204210648/http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/history/the-walmart-museum|url-status=dead}}</ref>

With the contribution of its superstores, the company surpassed [[Toys "R" Us]] in toy sales in 1998.<ref name="Byrnes 04">{{cite news |title = Toys 'R' Us: Beaten at its own game|last1=Byrnes|first1=Nanette|last2=Eidam|first2=Michael|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2004-03-28/toys-r-us-beaten-at-its-own-game|magazine=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]|date=March 29, 2004|access-date=February 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306074659/http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2004-03-28/toys-r-us-beaten-at-its-own-game|archive-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wal-Mart Dethrones Toys R Us|url=https://apnews.com/6e6082b522082a0d782052046c75b0b2|work=Associated Press News|access-date=April 10, 2014|date=March 29, 1999|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003181636/https://apnews.com/6e6082b522082a0d782052046c75b0b2|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1990–2005: Retail rise to multinational status===
[[File:Wal-Mart logo, 1992–2008.svg|thumb|Wal-Mart logo from 1992 to 2008]]
While it was the third-largest retailer in the United States, Wal-Mart was more profitable than rivals [[Kmart (United States)|Kmart]] and [[Sears]] by the late 1980s. By 1990, it became the largest U.S. retailer by revenue.<ref name="Hayes 90">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart Net Jumps By 31.8% |last1 = Hayes |first1 = Thomas C. |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/28/business/company-news-wal-mart-net-jumps-by-31.8.html |newspaper = [[The New York Times]] |date = February 28, 1990 |access-date = July 21, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150723112604/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/28/business/company-news-wal-mart-net-jumps-by-31.8.html |archive-date = July 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Vance">{{cite book |last1 = Vance |first1 = Sandra Stringer |last2 = Scott |first2 = Roy V. |year = 1997 |title = Wal-Mart: A History of Sam Walton's Retail Phenomenon |url = https://archive.org/details/walmarthistoryof00vanc |location = New York |publisher = [[Twayne Publishers]] |isbn = 978-0-8057-9832-6 }}
</ref>

Prior to the summer of 1990, Wal-Mart had no presence on the West Coast or in the Northeast (except for a single Sam's Club in New Jersey which opened in November 1989), but in July and October that year, it opened its first stores in [[California]] and [[Pennsylvania]], respectively. By the mid-1990s, it was the most powerful retailer in the U.S. and expanded into Mexico in 1991 and Canada in 1994.<ref>Jacques, Peter. (January 1, 1970) [https://www.academia.edu/169368/Wal-Mart_or_World-Mart_A_Teaching_Case_Study Wal-Mart or World-Mart? A Teaching Case Study | Peter Jacques] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101212019/http://www.academia.edu/169368/Wal-Mart_or_World-Mart_A_Teaching_Case_Study |date=January 1, 2016 }}. Academia.edu. Retrieved December 6, 2013.</ref> Wal-Mart stores opened throughout the rest of the U.S., with Vermont being the last state to get a store in 1995.<ref name="PBS04">{{cite news |title = Timeline: An Overview of Wal-Mart |url = https://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/business-july-dec04-timeline_08-20/ |publisher = [[PBS]] |date = August 20, 2004 |access-date = July 21, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141226212519/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/business-july-dec04-timeline_08-20/ |archive-date = December 26, 2014}}</ref>

The company also opened stores outside North America, entering South America in 1995 with stores in Argentina and Brazil; and Europe in July 1999, buying [[Asda]] in the United Kingdom for {{US$|10&nbsp;billion}}.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |author = Buerkle, Tom |url = http://www.iht.com/articles/1999/06/15/walmart.2.t.php |title = $10 Billion Gamble in U.K. Doubles Its International Business: Wal-Mart Takes Big Leap into Europe |work = International Herald Tribune |date = June 15, 1999 |access-date = April 19, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080226063515/http://www.iht.com/articles/1999/06/15/walmart.2.t.php |archive-date = February 26, 2008 }}</ref>

In 1997, Wal-Mart was [[Historical components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average|added]] to the [[Dow Jones Industrial Average]].<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-03-13-fi-37733-story.html Dow Jones Shakes Up Its Index With Four Replacements] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224195908/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-03-13-fi-37733-story.html |date=December 24, 2020 }}, Associated Press (March 13, 1997).</ref>

In 1998, Wal-Mart introduced the Neighborhood Market concept with three stores in Arkansas.<ref name="grocerybiz">{{cite web |url = http://www.mystore411.com/store/list_state/5/Arkansas/Wal-Mart-Neighborhood-Market-store-locations |title = Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market Locations in Arkansas |access-date = December 8, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130117025424/http://www.mystore411.com/store/list_state/5/Arkansas/Wal-Mart-Neighborhood-Market-store-locations |archive-date = January 17, 2013}}</ref> By 2005, estimates indicate that the company controlled about 20 percent of the retail grocery and consumables business.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://grist.org/series/2011-11-07-walmart-greenwash-retail-giant-still-unsustainable/ |title = WALMART'S GREENWASH: WHY THE RETAIL GIANT IS STILL UNSUSTAINABLE |publisher = Grist.org |date = November 7, 2012 |access-date = December 7, 2012 |author = Mitchell, Stacy |newspaper = Grist |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121118145036/http://grist.org/series/2011-11-07-walmart-greenwash-retail-giant-still-unsustainable/ |url-status=live |archive-date = November 18, 2012 }}</ref>

In 2000, [[Lee Scott (businessman)|H. Lee Scott]] became Wal-Mart's president and CEO as the company's sales increased to $165&nbsp;billion.<ref name="2000sales">{{cite web |url = http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/11/112761/ARs/2000_annualreport.pdf |title = Walmart Annual Report 2000 |access-date = December 8, 2012 |page = 18 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130117025419/http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/11/112761/ARs/2000_annualreport.pdf |archive-date = January 17, 2013}}</ref> In 2002, it was listed for the first time as America's largest corporation on the [[Fortune 500]] list, with revenues of $219.8&nbsp;billion and profits of $6.7&nbsp;billion. It has remained there every year except 2006, 2009, and 2012.<ref name="2007-Fortune-500">{{cite news |url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2007/full_list/index.html |title = Fortune 500 2007 |work=Fortune |date = April 16, 2007 |access-date = July 15, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070614021659/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2007/full_list/index.html |archive-date = June 14, 2007}}</ref><ref name="2006-Fortune-500">{{cite magazine |url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2006/full_list/index.html |title = Fortune 500 2006 |magazine = [[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date = April 17, 2006 |access-date = July 15, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070705171748/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2006/full_list/index.html |archive-date = July 5, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2008/full_list/index.html |title = Fortune 500 2008 |work=Fortune |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140410131336/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2008/full_list/index.html |archive-date = April 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2009/full_list/index.html |title = Fortune 500 2009 |work=Fortune |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140410131332/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2009/full_list/index.html |archive-date = April 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2010/full_list/index.html |title = Fortune 500 2010 |work=Fortune |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140329131542/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2010/full_list/index.html |archive-date = March 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2011/full_list/index.html |title = Fortune 500 2011 |work=Fortune |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140329130655/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2011/full_list/index.html |archive-date = March 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url = http://fortune.com/fortune500/2012/ |title = Fortune 500 2012 |date = May 9, 2014 |work = Fortune |access-date = October 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170909134510/http://fortune.com/fortune500/2012/ |archive-date = September 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url = http://fortune.com/fortune500/2013/ |title = Fortune 500 2013 |date = May 22, 2014 |work = Fortune |access-date = October 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170831000038/http://fortune.com/fortune500/2013/ |archive-date = August 31, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url = http://fortune.com/fortune500/2014/ |title = Fortune 500 2014 |date = June 2, 2014 |work = Fortune |access-date = October 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170703203948/http://fortune.com/fortune500/2014/ |archive-date = July 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = http://fortune.com/fortune500/2015/ |title = Fortune 500 2015 |website = Fortune |access-date = October 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171024150735/http://fortune.com/fortune500/2015/ |archive-date = October 24, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = http://fortune.com/fortune500/2016/ |title = Fortune 500 |website = Fortune |access-date = October 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171020024947/http://fortune.com/fortune500/2016/ |archive-date = October 20, 2017}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=January 2022}}

In 2005, Wal-Mart reported {{US$|312.4&nbsp;billion}} in sales, more than 6,200 facilities around the world—including 3,800 stores in the United States and 2,800 elsewhere, employing more than 1.6&nbsp;million associates. Its U.S. presence grew so rapidly that only small pockets of the country remained more than {{convert|60|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} from the nearest store.<ref>{{cite conference |first = Matthew |last = Zook |author2 = Graham, Mark |editor-first = Stanley D. |editor-last = Brunn |title = Wal-Mart Nation: Mapping the Reach of a Retail Colossus |book-title = Wal-Mart World: The World's Biggest Corporation in the Global Economy |pages = 15–25 |publisher = Routledge |year = 2006 |isbn = 978-0-415-95137-1 }}</ref>

As Wal-Mart expanded rapidly into the world's largest corporation, many critics worried about its effect on local communities, particularly small towns with many "[[Small business|mom and pop]]" stores. There have been several studies on the economic impact of Wal-Mart on small towns and local businesses, jobs, and taxpayers. Kenneth Stone, a professor of economics, found that some small towns can lose almost half of their retail trade within ten years of a Wal-Mart store opening.<ref name="Rural">Stone, Kenneth E. (1997). "[https://www.econ.iastate.edu/faculty/stone/10yrstudy.pdf Impact of the Wal-Mart Phenomenon on Rural Communities] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120110527/http://www2.econ.iastate.edu/faculty/stone/10yrstudy.pdf |date=January 20, 2016 }}". (Published in ''Proceedings: Increased Understanding of Public Problems and Policies – 1997''. [[Chicago]], Illinois: Farm Foundation). ''[[Iowa State University]]''. Retrieved August 4, 2006.</ref> However, in another study, he compared the changes to what small-town shops had faced in the past—including the development of the railroads, the advent of the Sears Roebuck catalog, and the arrival of shopping malls—and concluded that shop owners who adapt to changes in the retail market can thrive after Wal-Mart arrives.<ref name="Rural"/> A later study in collaboration with [[Mississippi State University]] showed that there are "both positive and negative impacts on existing stores in the area where the new supercenter locates."<ref name="Stone Artz Myles">{{cite web |url = https://www2.econ.iastate.edu/faculty/stone/MSsupercenterstudy.pdf |title = The economic impact of Wal-Mart Supercenters on existing businesses in Mississippi |author = Kenneth E. Stone, Georgeanne Artz and Albert Myles |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160618031634/http://www2.econ.iastate.edu/faculty/stone/MSsupercenterstudy.pdf |archive-date = June 18, 2016}}</ref>

In the aftermath of [[Hurricane Katrina]] in September 2005, Wal-Mart used its logistics network to organize a rapid response to the disaster, donating $20&nbsp;million, 1,500 truckloads of merchandise, food for 100,000 meals, and the promise of a job for every one of its displaced workers.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/05/AR2005090501598.html |title = Wal-Mart at Forefront of Hurricane Relief |date = September 6, 2005 |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = March 10, 2009 |author = Barbaro, Michael |author2 = Gillis, Justin |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090604185015/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/05/AR2005090501598.html |archive-date = June 4, 2009}}</ref> An independent study by Steven Horwitz of [[St. Lawrence University]] found that Wal-Mart, [[The Home Depot]], and [[Lowe's]] made use of their local knowledge about supply chains, infrastructure, decision makers and other resources to provide emergency supplies and reopen stores well before the [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] (FEMA) began its response.<ref name="Kouzes 10">{{cite book |last1 = Kouzes |first1 = James |last2 = Posner |first2 = Barry |others = Mark Huffman, ConsumerAffairs.com |date = July 6, 2010 |title = The Challenge Continues, Participant Workbook: Enable Others to Act |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=C2e7_FkKkJgC |publisher = [[John Wiley & Sons]] |page = 24 |isbn = 978-0-470-40284-9 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160623200304/https://books.google.com/books?id=C2e7_FkKkJgC&printsec=frontcover |archive-date = June 23, 2016}}</ref> While the company was overall lauded for its quick response amidst [[Criticism of the government response to Hurricane Katrina|criticism]] of FEMA, several critics were quick to point out that there still remained issues with the company's labor relations.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://money.cnn.com/2005/09/09/news/fortune500/walmart_image/index.htm |title = Wal-Mart redeems itself, but what's next |date = September 9, 2005 |publisher = CNN |access-date = March 10, 2009 |author = Bhatnagar, Parija |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091112103847/http://money.cnn.com/2005/09/09/news/fortune500/walmart_image/index.htm |archive-date = November 12, 2009}}</ref>

In 2006, Charles Fishman published ''[[The Wal-Mart Effect]]'', examining the operation of Wal-Mart's [[supply chain]]. His book caught the attention of the press and the public. Fishman's case studies illustrate Wal-Mart's drive to lower costs and achieve greater efficiency and suggest that it may have significant upstream effects. Since Fishman's book was published, Wal-Mart has more than doubled in size. Further research on Wal-Mart's role in the food supply chain has tended to be limited and anecdotal.<ref name="Volpe"/><ref name="Fishman">{{cite book |last = Fishman |first = Charles |year = 2006 |title = The Wal-Mart Effect: How the World's Most Powerful Company Really Works—and How It's Transforming the American Economy |url = https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780143038788 |location = New York |publisher = [[The Penguin Press]] |isbn = 978-1-59420-076-2}}</ref>

===2005–2010: Initiatives===
[[File: Solar Panels on Caguas, Puerto Rico Walmart.jpg|thumb|Solar modules mounted on a Walmart Supercenter in [[Caguas, Puerto Rico]] (Store #2449) |alt=Aerial view of dozens of solar panels distributed around the roof of a Walmart store ]]

====Environmental initiatives====
In November 2005, Wal-Mart announced several environmental measures to increase [[efficient energy use|energy efficiency]] and improve its overall environmental record, which had previously been lacking.<ref name="GuntherMark">{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/07/25/news/companies/wal-mart-short.fortune/|title=Wal-Mart sees green|author=Gunther, Mark|date=July 27, 2006|access-date=November 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822072035/http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/25/news/companies/wal-mart-short.fortune/|archive-date=August 22, 2006|work=CNN}}</ref> The company's primary goals included spending $500&nbsp;million a year to increase fuel efficiency in Wal-Mart's truck fleet by 25 percent over three years and double it within ten; reduce [[greenhouse gas emissions]] by 20 percent in seven years; reduce energy use at stores by 30 percent; and cut solid waste from U.S. stores and Sam's Clubs by 25 percent in three years. CEO Lee Scott said that Wal-Mart's goal was to be a "good steward of the environment" and ultimately use only [[renewable energy]] sources and produce [[zero waste]].<ref name="going_green">{{cite news |url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/9815727 |title = Is Wal-Mart Going Green? |publisher = [[NBC News]] |date = October 25, 2005 |access-date = November 8, 2007 |archive-date = September 21, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130921180227/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/9815727/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The company also designed three new experimental stores with [[wind turbine]]s, [[photovoltaic]] solar panels, [[biofuel]]-capable boilers, water-cooled refrigerators, and [[xeriscaping|xeriscape]] gardens.<ref>{{cite news |author = Berner, Robert |url = http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/sep2005/nf20050922_6448_db016.htm |title = Can Wal-Mart Wear a White Hat? |work = Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date = September 22, 2005 |access-date = July 24, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060503192520/http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/sep2005/nf20050922_6448_db016.htm |archive-date = May 3, 2006 }}</ref> In this time, Wal-Mart also became the biggest seller of organic milk and the biggest buyer of organic cotton in the world, while reducing packaging and energy costs.<ref name="GuntherMark"/> In 2007, the company worked with outside consultants to discover its total environmental impact and find areas for improvement. Wal-Mart created its own [[electric power industry|electric company]] in Texas, named Texas Retail Energy, which planned to supply its stores with cheap power purchased at wholesale prices. Through this new venture, the company expected to save $15&nbsp;million annually and also to lay the groundwork and infrastructure to sell electricity to Texas consumers in the future.<ref name="redorbit_electricity">{{cite web|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/817594/will_walmart_sell_electricity_one_day/index.html|title=Will Wal-Mart Sell Electricity One Day?|author=Souder, Elizabeth|date=January 28, 2007|publisher=RedOrbit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623203730/http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/817594/will_walmart_sell_electricity_one_day/index.html|archive-date=June 23, 2008|url-status=live|access-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref>

====Branding and store design changes====
In 2006, Wal-Mart announced that it would remodel its U.S. stores to help it appeal to a wider variety of demographics, including more affluent shoppers. As part of the initiative, the company launched a new store in Plano, Texas, that included high-end electronics, jewelry, expensive wines and a sushi bar.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/14714027/ns/business-us_business/t/wal-mart-drop-one-size-fits-all-approach/|title=Wal-Mart to drop one-size-fits-all approach|date=September 7, 2006|publisher=MSNBC|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-date=August 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805192017/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/14714027/ns/business-us_business/t/wal-mart-drop-one-size-fits-all-approach/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 12, 2007, Wal-Mart introduced new advertising with the [[slogan]], "''Save money. Live better.''", replacing the previous slogan "''Always Low Prices, Always''", which it had used since 1988. [[Global Insight]], which conducted the research that supported the ads, found that Wal-Mart's [[price level]] reduction resulted in savings for consumers of $287&nbsp;billion in 2006, which equated to $957 per person or $2,500 per household (up 7.3 percent from the 2004 savings estimate of $2,329).<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walmart-advertising-idUSWEN091820070912 |title = Wal-Mart rolling out new company slogan |work = Reuters |date = September 12, 2007 |access-date = December 7, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130210111723/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/09/12/us-walmart-advertising-idUSWEN091820070912 |url-status=live |archive-date = February 10, 2013 }}</ref>

On June 30, 2008, Wal-Mart removed the hyphen from its logo and replaced the star with a ''Spark'' symbol. The store branding became "Walmart", with the corporate name remaining with the hyphen as "Wal-Mart". The new logo received mixed reviews from design critics who questioned whether the new logo was as bold as those of competitors, such as the [[Target Corporation|Target]] bullseye, or as instantly recognizable as the previous company's logo, which was used for 18 years.<ref>{{cite web |last = Armin |title = Less Hyphen, More Burst for Walmart |url = http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/less_hyphen_more_burst_for_wal.php |work = Brand New |publisher = UnderConsideration LLC |access-date = August 9, 2010 |date = June 30, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100211143200/http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/less_hyphen_more_burst_for_wal.php |archive-date = February 11, 2010}}</ref> The new logo<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wal-Mart – Logo in EPS, PNG & JPG Formats|url=https://logoose.com/logo/Wal-Mart/36|access-date=January 25, 2022|website=logoose.com|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125164246/https://logoose.com/logo/Wal-Mart/36|url-status=dead}}</ref> made its debut on the company's website on July 1, 2008, and its U.S. locations updated store logos in the fall of 2008.<ref name="new_logo">{{cite news |url = http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/jul2008/id2008072_324653.htm |title = Wal-Mart Gets a Facelift |last = Jana |first = Reena |date = July 2, 2008 |work = Bloomberg BusinessWeek |access-date = July 7, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080706161254/http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/jul2008/id2008072_324653.htm |archive-date = July 6, 2008 }}</ref> Walmart Canada started to adopt the logo for its stores in early 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.domain-b.com/industry/Retail/20090214_walmart.html |title = Walmart Canada changes logo, slashes prices |date = February 14, 2009 |access-date = December 7, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121102005404/http://domain-b.com/industry/Retail/20090214_walmart.html |archive-date = November 2, 2012}}</ref>

====Acquisitions and employee benefits====
On March 20, 2009, Walmart announced that it was paying a combined {{US$|933.6&nbsp;million}} in bonuses to every full and part-time hourly worker.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 20, 2009|title=Wal-Mart gives $933 mn bonus to workers|newspaper=The Economic Times|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co.|location=New York City|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-03-20/news/28454766_1_wal-mart-chief-executive-mike-duke-wal-mart-stores|url-status=live|access-date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218101427/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-03-20/news/28454766_1_wal-mart-chief-executive-mike-duke-wal-mart-stores|archive-date=December 18, 2014}}</ref> This was in addition to $788.8&nbsp;million in [[profit sharing]], [[401(k)]] pension contributions, hundreds of millions of dollars in merchandise discounts, and contributions to the employees' stock purchase plan.<ref name="Maestri 09">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart awards $2 billion to U.S. hourly employees |last1 = Maestri |first1 = Nicole |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walmart-bonus-idUSTRE52I4PS20090319 |work = [[Reuters]] |date = March 19, 2009 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023532/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-walmart-bonus-idUSTRE52I4PS20090319 |archive-date = March 4, 2016}}</ref> While the economy at large was in an ongoing [[recession]], Walmart reported solid financial figures for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009, with $401.2&nbsp;billion in net sales, a gain of 7.2&nbsp;percent from the prior year. Income from continuing operations increased 3&nbsp;percent to $13.3&nbsp;billion, and earnings per share rose 6&nbsp;percent to $3.35.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wal-Mart Reports Financial Results for Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter |url=https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2009/02/17/wal-mart-reports-financial-results-for-fiscal-year-and-fourth-quarter |website=Corporate - US |date=February 17, 2009 |access-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012211931/https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2009/02/17/wal-mart-reports-financial-results-for-fiscal-year-and-fourth-quarter |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 22, 2010, the company confirmed it was acquiring [[streaming media|video streaming]] company [[Vudu, Inc.]] for an estimated $100&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704454304575082010734950440.html |title = Walmart Re-Enters Digital Downloading of Movies With Purchase of Vudu |newspaper = [[The Wall Street Journal]] |date = February 22, 2010 |first = Miguel |last = Bustillo |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130511065803/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704454304575082010734950440.html |archive-date = May 11, 2013}}</ref>

===2011–2019===
[[File:Walmart’s Grease Fuel Truck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.36|A truck converted to run on biofuel|alt=]]Walmart's truck fleet logs millions of miles each year, and the company planned to double the fleet's efficiency between 2005 and 2015.<ref>{{cite magazine |last = Nishimoto |first = Alex |title = Walmart Debuts Turbine-Powered WAVE Semi Truck Prototype |magazine = Motor Trend |date = March 10, 2014 |url = https://www.motortrend.com/news/walmart-debuts-turbine-powered-wave-semi-truck-prototype/ |access-date = October 8, 2021 |archive-date = October 8, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211008165017/https://www.motortrend.com/news/walmart-debuts-turbine-powered-wave-semi-truck-prototype/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Fifteen based at Walmart's [[Buckeye, Arizona]], distribution center were converted to run on [[biofuel]] from reclaimed cooking grease made during food preparation at Walmart stores.<ref>{{cite web |title = Wal-Mart To Test Hybrid Trucks |publisher = Sustainable Business |date = February 3, 2009 |url = https://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/17599 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140508095041/https://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/17599 |archive-date = May 8, 2014}}</ref>

On November 14, 2012, Walmart launched its first mail subscription service called Goodies. Customers pay a $7 monthly subscription for five to eight delivered food samples each month.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/11/14/wal-mart-food-subscription/1703481/ |title = Wal-Mart launches food subscription service |work = USA Today |access-date = November 14, 2012 |date = November 14, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121114134458/http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/11/14/wal-mart-food-subscription/1703481/ |archive-date = November 14, 2012}}</ref> The service shut down in late 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/10/19/goodies-co-shutdown/|title=Walmart Labs' Subscription Snack Service Goodies.co Will Shut Down|work=TechCrunch|access-date=September 25, 2018|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224200911/https://techcrunch.com/2013/10/19/goodies-co-shutdown/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2013, the firm announced it was in talks to acquire a majority stake in the [[Kenya]]-based supermarket chain, [[Naivas]].<ref>{{Citation |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kenya-naivas-idUSBRE97C0UA20130813 |title = Wal-Mart unit seeks stake in Kenyan supermarket Naivas |work = Reuters |location = International |date = August 13, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924183753/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/13/us-kenya-naivas-idUSBRE97C0UA20130813 |archive-date = September 24, 2015}}</ref>

In June 2014, some Walmart employees went on strike in major U.S. cities demanding higher wages.<ref name="CNNMoney Walmart 2014-06-04">{{cite news |url = https://money.cnn.com/2014/06/04/news/companies/walmart-strike-day/ |title = Wal-Mart workers strike in major cities |last = Sheridan |first = Patrick M. |work = CNN Money |publisher = CNN |date = June 4, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141216053129/http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/04/news/companies/walmart-strike-day/ |archive-date = December 16, 2014 |access-date = January 26, 2015 |quote = How can you save money if you're not making enough money? }}</ref> In July 2014, American actor and comedian [[Tracy Morgan]] launched a lawsuit against Walmart seeking punitive damages over a multi-car pile-up which the suit alleges was caused by the driver of one of the firm's tractor-trailers who had not slept for 24 hours. Morgan's limousine was apparently hit by the trailer, injuring him and two fellow passengers and killing a fourth, fellow comedian James McNair.<ref name="MorganWalmart">{{cite news |title = Tracy Morgan sues Walmart over New Jersey turnpike crash |url = http://www.newyorkstatesman.com/index.php/sid/223750105/scat/3a8a80d6f705f8cc/ht/Tracy-Morgan-sues-Walmart-over-New-Jersey-turnpike-crash |access-date = July 13, 2014 |work=New York Statesman |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714234430/http://www.newyorkstatesman.com/index.php/sid/223750105/scat/3a8a80d6f705f8cc/ht/Tracy-Morgan-sues-Walmart-over-New-Jersey-turnpike-crash |archive-date = July 14, 2014}}</ref> Walmart settled with the McNair family for $10&nbsp;million, while admitting no liability.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = McCarthy |first1 = Craig |title = Walmart paid out $10M to family of comedian killed in Tracy Morgan crash, reports say |url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/walmart_paid_out_10m_to_family_of_comedian_killed_in_tracy_morgan_crash_reports_say.html |access-date = July 18, 2016 |work = The Star-Ledger |date = March 20, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160916204553/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/walmart_paid_out_10m_to_family_of_comedian_killed_in_tracy_morgan_crash_reports_say.html |archive-date = September 16, 2016}}</ref> Morgan and Walmart reached a settlement in 2015 for an undisclosed amount,<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Griffith |first1 = Janelle |last2 = Zambito |first2 = Thomas |title = Tracy Morgan, Wal-Mart reach settlement in lawsuit regarding NJ Turnpike accident |url = http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/05/tracy_morgan_walmart_reach_settlement_of_lawsuit.html |access-date = July 18, 2016 |work = The Star-Ledger |date = August 7, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160916204620/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/05/tracy_morgan_walmart_reach_settlement_of_lawsuit.html |archive-date = September 16, 2016}}</ref> though Walmart later accused its insurers of "bad faith" in refusing to pay the settlement.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Sherman |first1 = Ted |title = Wal-Mart insurers accused of 'bad faith' in Tracy Morgan case |url = http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/10/wal-mart_insurers_accused_of_bad_faith_in_tracy_mo.html |access-date = July 18, 2016 |work = The Star-Ledger |date = October 14, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160917031209/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/10/wal-mart_insurers_accused_of_bad_faith_in_tracy_mo.html |archive-date = September 17, 2016}}</ref>

In 2015, Walmart was the biggest U.S. commercial producer of [[solar power]] with 142 [[megawatt|MW]] [[nameplate capacity|capacity]], and had 17 [[energy storage]] projects.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/walmart-corporate-solar-deployments-storage-batteries |title = Wal-Mart Leads the Nation in Corporate Solar Deployments. What Will It Do With Storage? |access-date = October 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161016061103/http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/walmart-corporate-solar-deployments-storage-batteries |archive-date = October 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-means-business-2015-top-us-corporate-solar-users |title = Solar Means Business 2015: Top U.S. Corporate Solar Users |work = SEIA |access-date = October 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161018215019/http://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-means-business-2015-top-us-corporate-solar-users |archive-date = October 18, 2016}}</ref> This solar was primarily on rooftops, whereas there is an additional 20,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> for solar canopies over parking lots.<ref>Krishnan, R., et al. [https://www.academia.edu/33535233/Technical_Solar_Photovoltaic_Potential_of_Scaled_Parking_Lot_Canopies_A_Case_Study_of_Walmart_U.S.A Technical Solar Photovoltaic Potential of Scaled Parking Lot Canopies- A Case Study of Walmart U.S.A.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030055646/http://www.academia.edu/33535233/Technical_Solar_Photovoltaic_Potential_of_Scaled_Parking_Lot_Canopies_A_Case_Study_of_Walmart_U.S.A |date=October 30, 2017 }} ''RISUS – Journal on Innovation and Sustainability'' '''8'''(2) – 2017.</ref>
[[File:Grundy, Virginia Walmart Supercenter.jpg|thumb|Walmart Supercenter in [[Grundy, Virginia]] (Store #3303). This store was built as part of a $200&nbsp;million revitalization project.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Unique new $200 Million Taxpayer Funded Wal-Mart Opens in Grundy, Va.|url=http://www.sullivan-county.com/identity/grundy2.htm|access-date=November 5, 2020|website=sullivan-county.com|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224203020/http://www.sullivan-county.com/identity/grundy2.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Telegraph|first=CHARLES BOOTHE Bluefield Daily|title=$200M relocation project that moved a mountain to save Grundy pays off|url=https://www.bdtonline.com/news/200m-relocation-project-that-moved-a-mountain-to-save-grundy-pays-off/article_8d92ed9c-ee48-11e5-9336-3769bae935de.html|access-date=November 5, 2020|website=Bluefield Daily Telegraph|date=March 20, 2016|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224203941/https://www.bdtonline.com/news/200m-relocation-project-that-moved-a-mountain-to-save-grundy-pays-off/article_8d92ed9c-ee48-11e5-9336-3769bae935de.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The store was built on top of a two-story parking garage, the only one of its kind in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mcintosh|first=Chris|title=Unique new Wal-Mart Supercenter opens in Grundy, Va.|url=https://heraldcourier.com/news/unique-new-wal-mart-supercenter-opens-in-grundy-va/article_151ce46f-f298-59d0-9d23-640d5b0ef9f9.html|access-date=November 5, 2020|website=HeraldCourier.com|date=September 14, 2011|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224203439/https://heraldcourier.com/news/unique-new-wal-mart-supercenter-opens-in-grundy-va/article_151ce46f-f298-59d0-9d23-640d5b0ef9f9.html|url-status=live}}</ref>]]
On January 15, 2016, Walmart announced it would close 269 stores in 2016, affecting 16,000 workers.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://money.cnn.com/2016/01/15/news/companies/walmart-store-closings/index.html |title = Walmart will close 269 stores this year, affecting 16,000 workers |publisher = CNN |date = January 16, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160118041646/http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/15/news/companies/walmart-store-closings/index.html |archive-date = January 18, 2016}}</ref> Of the stores earmarked for closure, 154 were in the U.S., 95% of which were located, on average, 10 miles from another Walmart store. The 269 stores represented less than 1&nbsp;percent of global square footage and revenue for the company. The 102 locations of Neighborhood Markets that were formerly or originally planned to be Walmart Express, which had been in a pilot program since 2011 and converted in to Neighborhood Markets in 2014, were included in the closures. Walmart planned to focus on "strengthening Supercenters, optimizing Neighborhood Markets, growing the e-commerce business and expanding pickup services for customers". In fiscal 2017, the company plans to open between 50 and 60 Supercenters, 85 to 95 Neighborhood Markets, 7 to 10 Sam's Clubs, and 200 to 240 international locations.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Gustafson |first1=Krystina |last2=Reagan |first2=Courtney |date=January 15, 2016 |title=Wal-Mart to close 269 stores as it retools fleet |publisher=[[CNBC]] |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/01/15/wal-mart-to-close-269-stores-as-it-retools-fleet.html |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224195211/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/01/15/wal-mart-to-close-269-stores-as-it-retools-fleet.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the end of fiscal 2017, Walmart opened 38 Supercenters and relocated, expanded or converted 21 discount stores into Supercenters, for a total of 59 Supercenters, and opened 69 Neighborhood Markets, 8 Sam's Clubs, and 173 international locations, and relocated, expanded or converted 4 locations for a total of 177 international locations. On August 8, 2016, Walmart announced a deal to acquire e-commerce website Jet.com for US$3.3&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/08/08/walmart-acquires-jetcom-for-3-billion/88386988/ |title = Why Walmart is spending $3B for online seller Jet.com |work = [[USA Today]] |first = Hadley |last = Malcolm |date = August 8, 2016 |access-date = October 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161010053719/http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/08/08/walmart-acquires-jetcom-for-3-billion/88386988/ |archive-date = October 10, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.recode.net/2016/8/7/12395114/walmart-jet-acquisition-3-billion-price |title = Walmart is buying Jet.com for $3 billion |last = Rey |first = Jason Del |date = August 8, 2016 |website = Recode |access-date = August 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160808221507/http://www.recode.net/2016/8/7/12395114/walmart-jet-acquisition-3-billion-price |archive-date = August 8, 2016}}</ref> Jet.com co-founder and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] [[Marc Lore]] stayed on to run Jet.com in addition to Walmart's existing U.S. e-commerce operation. The acquisition was structured as a payout of $3&nbsp;billion in cash, and an additional $300&nbsp;million in Walmart stock vested over time as part of an incentive bonus plan for Jet.com executives.<ref name="Walmart-Inc-Aug-2016-8-K">{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1267/0000104169-16-000113.pdf |title=Walmart Inc, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Aug 8, 2016 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925032710/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1267/0000104169-16-000113.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 19, 2016, Walmart announced it would partner with IBM and Tsinghua University to track the pork supply chain in China using blockchain.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.yahoo.com/tech/walmart-and-ibm-will-use-blockchain-to-track-pork-from-china-142530691.html |title = Walmart to team with IBM (IBM) and Tsinghua University to track the pork supply chain in China using blockchain |last = Roberts |first = Daniel |date = October 19, 2016 |access-date = October 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161021073245/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/walmart-and-ibm-will-use-blockchain-to-track-pork-from-china-142530691.html |archive-date = October 21, 2016}}</ref> The use of blockchain to automate the tracking of the supply chain promises the potential for Walmart to save money and thus increase profits.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hasan |first1=Mohammad Raihanul |last2=Shiming |first2=Deng |last3=Islam |first3=Mollah Aminul |last4=Hossain |first4=Muhammed Zakir |date=June 1, 2020 |title=Operational efficiency effects of blockchain technology implementation in firms: Evidence from China |url=https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/RIBS-05-2019-0069/full/html |journal=Review of International Business and Strategy |language=en |volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=163–181 |doi=10.1108/RIBS-05-2019-0069 |s2cid=216520739 |issn=2059-6014 |access-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118234623/https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/RIBS-05-2019-0069/full/html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 15, 2017, Walmart announced the acquisition of Moosejaw, a leading online active outdoor retailer, for approximately $51&nbsp;million. The acquisition closed on February 13, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Walmart Announces the Acquisition of Moosejaw, a Leading Online Outdoor Retailer|url=http://news.walmart.com/_news_/2017/02/15/walmart-announces-the-acquisition-of-moosejaw-a-leading-online-outdoor-retailer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319022322/http://news.walmart.com/_news_/2017/02/15/walmart-announces-the-acquisition-of-moosejaw-a-leading-online-outdoor-retailer|archive-date=March 19, 2017|access-date=March 12, 2017}}</ref> On June 16, 2017, Walmart agreed to acquire the men's apparel company [[Bonobos (apparel)|Bonobos]] for $310&nbsp;million in an effort to expand its fashion holdings.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/06/16/business/walmart-bonobos-merger.html |title = Walmart to Buy Bonobos, Men's Wear Company, for $310 Million |newspaper = The New York Times |date = June 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170617084010/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/06/16/business/walmart-bonobos-merger.html |archive-date = June 17, 2017}}</ref> On September 29, 2017, Walmart acquired Parcel, a same-day and last-mile delivery company in [[Brooklyn]].<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://blog.walmart.com/business/20171003/who-is-parcel-what-this-delivery-company-means-to-walmart |title = Who is Parcel? What This Delivery Company Means to Walmart |website = blog.walmart.com |date = October 3, 2017 |access-date = November 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055646/https://blog.walmart.com/business/20171003/who-is-parcel-what-this-delivery-company-means-to-walmart |archive-date = November 7, 2017}}</ref> In 2018, Walmart started crowdsourcing delivery services to customers using drivers' private vehicles, under the brand "Spark".<ref name="Spark delivery">{{cite news |title=Walmart to launch delivery service for other businesses |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/walmart-launch-delivery-service-businesses-79612856 |date=August 24, 2021 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |author=Anne D'Innocenzio |access-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825002406/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/walmart-launch-delivery-service-businesses-79612856 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 6, 2017, Walmart announced that it would change its corporate name to Walmart Inc. from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. effective February 1, 2018.<ref name="Walmart-Inc-Dec-2017-8-K">{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2571/0000104169-17-000084.pdf |title=Walmart Inc, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Dec 6, 2017 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224195655/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2571/0000104169-17-000084.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Walmart Inc">{{Cite web |url = https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/wal-marts-new-name-its-not-just-a-store-anymore/ar-BBGjaxa?li=BBnb7Kz |title = Wal-Mart's New Name: It's Not Just a Store Anymore |publisher = MSN |access-date = December 6, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171207025508/https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/wal-marts-new-name-its-not-just-a-store-anymore/ar-BBGjaxa?li=BBnb7Kz |archive-date = December 7, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On January 11, 2018, Walmart announced that 63 Sam's Club locations would be closing. Some of the stores had already liquidated, without notifying employees; some employees learned by a company-wide email delivered January 11. Walmart said that ten of the stores will become e-commerce distribution centers and employees can reapply to work at those locations. ''[[Business Insider]]'' magazine calculated that over 11,000 workers would be affected.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cleveland19.com/story/37245316/sams-club-stores-close-around-the-country | title=Sam's Club stores close around the country | work=Cleveland 19 News | date=January 11, 2018 | access-date=May 17, 2019 | archive-date=January 12, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112042811/http://www.cleveland19.com/story/37245316/sams-club-stores-close-around-the-country | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Walmart is abruptly closing 63 Sam's Club stores and laying off thousands of workers|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-suddenly-closes-sams-club-stores-2018-1/|author=Peterson, Hayley|date=January 11, 2018|website=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=May 17, 2019|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403012624/https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-suddenly-closes-sams-club-stores-2018-1|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day, Walmart announced that as a result of [[Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017|the new tax law]], it would be raising Walmart starting wages, distributing bonuses, expanding its leave policies and contributing toward the cost of employees' adoptions. [[Doug McMillon]], Walmart's CEO, said, "We are early in the stages of assessing the opportunities tax reform creates for us to invest in our customers and associates and to further strengthen our business, all of which should benefit our shareholders."<ref>{{cite web|title=Walmart is giving its workers a pay raise and a cash bonus of up to $1,000|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-raises-employee-wages-11-2018-1|author=Peterson, Hayley|date=January 11, 2018|website=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=May 17, 2019|archive-date=May 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517234906/https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-raises-employee-wages-11-2018-1|url-status=live}}</ref>

It was reported that Walmart is now looking at entering the subscription-video space, hoping to compete with Netflix and Amazon. They have enlisted the help of former [[Epix]] CEO, Mark Greenberg, to help develop a low-cost subscription video-streaming service.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/walmart-mark-greenberg-streaming-video-subscription-netflix-amazon-1202881274/|title=Walmart Enlists Mark Greenberg, Former Epix CEO, to Develop Netflix Competitor|magazine=Variety|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=July 28, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224201443/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/walmart-mark-greenberg-streaming-video-subscription-netflix-amazon-1202881274/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 26, 2019, Walmart announced that it had acquired Tel Aviv-based product review start-up Aspectiva for an undisclosed sum.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Jpost-Tech/In-first-Israeli-acquisition-Walmart-purchases-start-up-Aspectiva-581803|title=In first Israeli acquisition, Walmart purchases start-up Aspectiva – Hi-tech news – Jerusalem Post|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post &#124; Jpost.com|access-date=February 26, 2019|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804171217/https://www.jpost.com/jpost-tech/in-first-israeli-acquisition-walmart-purchases-start-up-aspectiva-581803|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2019, Walmart announced the launch of free one-day shipping on more than 220,000 items with minimum purchase amount of $35.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/14/business/walmart-one-day-shipping-amazon-prime/index.html|title=Walmart is rolling out next-day delivery. Look out, Amazon.com|first=Nathaniel|last=Meyersohn|work=CNN|date=May 14, 2019|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022123754/https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/14/business/walmart-one-day-shipping-amazon-prime/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2019, Walmart made the announcement that it would cease the sale of all e-cigarettes due to "regulatory complexity and uncertainty" over the products. Earlier in 2019, Walmart stopped selling fruit-flavored e-cigarette and had raised the minimum age to 21 for the purchase of products containing tobacco.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Robertson |first1=Adi |title=Walmart says it will stop selling e-cigarettes |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/20/20876076/walmart-sams-club-e-cigarette-sales-stop-regulation-uncertainty-lung-illness |website=The Verge |date=September 20, 2019 |access-date=September 26, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617184155/https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/20/20876076/walmart-sams-club-e-cigarette-sales-stop-regulation-uncertainty-lung-illness |url-status=live }}</ref> That same month, Walmart opened its first Health Center, a "medical mall" where customers can purchase primary care services. Prices without insurance were listed, for instance, at $30 for an annual physical and $45 for a counseling session.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Times Staff |title=12 Innovations That Will Change Health Care and Medicine in the 2020s |url=https://time.com/5710295/top-health-innovations/ |magazine=Time |access-date=October 29, 2019 |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224203833/https://time.com/5710295/top-health-innovations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Continuing with its health care initiative, they opened a {{Convert|2600|sqft|m2}} health and wellness clinic prototype in Springdale, Arkansas just to expand services.<ref>{{cite web|last=Petro|first=Greg|title=Walmart And Amazon Lead The Retail Pack By Leveraging Healthcare|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregpetro/2020/06/25/walmart-and-amazon-lead-the-retail-pack-by-leveraging-healthcare/|date=June 25, 2020|access-date=June 27, 2020|work=Forbes|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116071755/https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregpetro/2020/06/25/walmart-and-amazon-lead-the-retail-pack-by-leveraging-healthcare/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|2019|10}}, Walmart stopped selling all live fish and aquatic plants.<ref>{{cite web |title=Walmart Discontinuing Sale of Pet Fish |url=http://www.petbusiness.com/Walmart-Discontinuing-Sale-of-Pet-Fish/ |website=Pet Business Magazine |date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-date=July 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705062611/http://www.petbusiness.com/Walmart-Discontinuing-Sale-of-Pet-Fish/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2020s: Continuing growth and development===
[[File:Walmart Coronavirus notices.jpg|thumb|Signs on a Walmart indicated changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.]]

The [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]] forced store closures, limited store occupancy, large-scale employee dismissal, and the enforcement of [[social distancing]] protocols for Walmart and many other companies. Store hours were adjusted to allow cleaning and stocking.

In March 2020, due to the pandemic, Walmart changed some of its employee benefits. Employees can now decide to stay home and take unpaid leave if they feel unable to work or uncomfortable coming to work. Additionally, Walmart employees who contract the virus will receive "up to two weeks of pay". After two weeks, hourly associates who are unable to return to work are eligible for up to 26 weeks in pay.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-changes-walmart-starbucks-employee-benefits-2020-3|title=From Walmart to Burger King's parent company, these 14 retail companies are changing their benefits policies amid the coronavirus pandemic|last=Jiang|first=Irene|website=Business Insider|access-date=March 20, 2020|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114074301/https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-changes-walmart-starbucks-employee-benefits-2020-3|url-status=live}}</ref> As of July 21, 2020, Walmart paid pandemic bonuses of $428&nbsp;million to its staff. People who did part-time or temporary work received a bonus of $150 while those who worked full-time received a bonus of $300.<ref>{{cite news |title=Walmart to spend another $428 million on employee bonuses |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-walmart-idCAKCN24M25C |access-date=October 12, 2022 |work=Reuters |date=July 21, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012193409/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-walmart-idCAKCN24M25C |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2020, Walmart announced that all customers would be required to wear masks in all stores nationwide, including Sam's Club.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tyko|first=Kelly|date=July 15, 2020|title=Walmart and Sam's Club to require masks nationwide starting July 20 as COVID-19 cases rise|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/07/15/walmart-masks-required-shoppers-sams-club-covid-19/5442415002/|access-date=July 15, 2020|website=USA Today|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204083053/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/07/15/walmart-masks-required-shoppers-sams-club-covid-19/5442415002/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the first quarter of 2020, consumers responded to COVID by shopping less frequently (5.6% fewer transactions), and buying more when they did shop (16.5%).<ref name="Kohan"/> As people shifted from eating out to eating at home,<ref name="Volpe">{{cite journal |last1=Volpe |first1=Richard |last2=Boland |first2=Michael A. |title=The Economic Impacts of Walmart Supercenters |journal=Annual Review of Resource Economics |date=October 5, 2022 |volume=14 |issue=1 |pages=43–62 |doi=10.1146/annurev-resource-111820-032827 |s2cid=250158765 |language=en |issn=1941-1340|doi-access=free }}</ref> net sales at Walmart increased by 10.5%, while online sales rose by 74%. Although Walmart experienced a 5.5% increase in operating expenses, its net income increased by 3.9%.<ref name="Kohan">{{cite news |last1=Kohan |first1=Shelley E. |title=Walmart's Online Sales Have Surged 74% During The Pandemic |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleykohan/2020/05/19/walmart-revenue-up-86-e-commerce-up-74/?sh=5f27f0d366cc |access-date=October 12, 2022 |work=Forbes |date=May 19, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012194851/https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleykohan/2020/05/19/walmart-revenue-up-86-e-commerce-up-74/?sh=5f27f0d366cc |url-status=live }}</ref> In the third quarter of 2020, Walmart reported revenue of $134.7&nbsp;billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.2 percent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/ed02767c-48cd-418f-baa9-49cd44ed5310 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/ed02767c-48cd-418f-baa9-49cd44ed5310 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription|title= Walmart and Home Depot extend pandemic winning streaks |work=[[Financial Times]]|first=Alistair|last=Gray|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=November 17, 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, Walmart launched a new service, Carrier Pickup, that allows the customers to schedule returns.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 21, 2020|title=Walmart unveils new product return service|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/walmart-return-idUSKBN28V19O|access-date=December 21, 2020|archive-date=December 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225204042/https://www.reuters.com/article/walmart-return-idUSKBN28V19O|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2021, Walmart announced that the company is launching a [[fintech]] startup, with venture partner Ribbit Capital, to provide financial products for consumers and employees.<ref>{{cite news |last=Townsend |first=Matthew |url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/walmart-announces-fintech-startup-with-ribbit-capital |title=Walmart Creates Fintech Startup, Speeding Push Beyond Retail |work=[[BloombergQuint]] |date=January 12, 2021 |access-date=January 12, 2021 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123151439/https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/walmart-announces-fintech-startup-with-ribbit-capital |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2021, Walmart acquired technology from Thunder Industries, which uses automation to create digital ads, to expand its online marketing capabilities.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bruell|first=Sahil Patel and Alexandra|date=February 4, 2021|title=Walmart Buys Ad Tech to Chase Small-Business Advertisers|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-buys-ad-tech-to-chase-small-business-advertisers-11612438200|access-date=February 8, 2021|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=February 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207220700/https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-buys-ad-tech-to-chase-small-business-advertisers-11612438200|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2021, Walmart acquired the Israeli startup Zeekit startup for $200&nbsp;million. Zeekit uses artificial intelligence to allow customers to try on clothing via a dynamic virtual platform.<ref>[https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/MAGAZINE-the-walmart-deal-meet-one-of-the-only-israeli-women-to-seal-a-nine-figure-exit-1.10112985 Meet one of the only Israeli women to seal a nine-figure exit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914154004/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/MAGAZINE-the-walmart-deal-meet-one-of-the-only-israeli-women-to-seal-a-nine-figure-exit-1.10112985 |date=September 14, 2021 }}, [[Haaretz]]</ref>

In August 2021, Walmart announced it would open its Spark crowdsource delivery to other businesses as a white-label service, competing with [[Postmates]] and [[online food ordering]] delivery companies.<ref name="Spark delivery" />

In December 2021, Walmart announced it will participate in the Stephens Investment Conference Wednesday, and the Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Walmart To Participate in Both the Stephens Investment Conference and the Morgan Stanley Virtual Global Consumer & Retail Conference|url=https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2021/11/24/walmart-to-participate-in-both-the-stephens-investment-conference-and-the-morgan-stanley-virtual-global-consumer-retail-conference|access-date=November 28, 2021|website=Corporate – US|language=en-US|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128071336/https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2021/11/24/walmart-to-participate-in-both-the-stephens-investment-conference-and-the-morgan-stanley-virtual-global-consumer-retail-conference|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2022, Walmart announced it would be acquiring Memomi, an AR optical tech company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Walmart is acquiring Memomi, an AR startup powering virtual try-on for eyewear |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/29/walmart-is-acquiring-memomi-an-ar-startup-powering-virtual-try-on-for-eyewear/ |access-date=December 12, 2023 |website=TechCrunch |date=June 29, 2022 |language=en-US |last=Perez |first=Sarah}}</ref>

In August 2022, Walmart announced it would be acquiring Volt Systems, a vendor management and product tracking software company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Walmart acquires omnichannel tech specialist Volt Systems |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-acquires-volt-systems/629083/ |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=Retail Dive |language=en-US |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809145743/https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-acquires-volt-systems/629083/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Walmart announced it was partnering with [[Paramount Global|Paramount]] to offer [[Paramount+]] content
to its Walmart+ subscribers in a bid to better compete with Amazon.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Walmart Reaches Streaming Deal With Paramount+ |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-reaches-streaming-deal-with-paramount-11660589853?mod=djemalertNEWS |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=The Wall Street Journal |date=August 15, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815200353/https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-reaches-streaming-deal-with-paramount-11660589853?mod=djemalertNEWS |url-status=live }}</ref>

Walmart announced in August 2022 that locations were not going back to 24 hours with most stores now being open between 6am and 11pm.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Walmart: No plans to make stores 24/7 again |url=https://www.wtvy.com/2022/08/12/walmart-no-plans-make-stores-247-again/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=WSFA 12 News |date=August 12, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905175620/https://www.wtvy.com/2022/08/12/walmart-no-plans-make-stores-247-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2023, Walmart announced it would raise its minimum wage for U.S. hourly workers from $12 to $14 an hour. Approximately 340,000 employees are expected to receive a raise, effective in early March 2023, and Walmart's U.S. average wage is expected to be over $17.50. The company also announced it would be adding additional college degrees and certificates to its Live Better U program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Repko |first=Melissa |title=Walmart raises minimum wage as retail labor market remains tight |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/24/walmart-raises-minimum-wage-as-retail-labor-market-remains-tight.html |access-date=January 24, 2023 |website=CNBC |date=January 24, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124164008/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/24/walmart-raises-minimum-wage-as-retail-labor-market-remains-tight.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2023, Walmart announced that they had made $611.3&nbsp;billion in sales in the previous financial year, up 6.7%, which included a bump in the fourth quarter of the year, which saw $164&nbsp;billion in sales. Profits for the company were also up, almost doubled from the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Walmart beats Q4 expectations during holiday shopping period |url=https://apnews.com/article/business-f130b49a4e23b17697179b13664abbaf |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221140956/https://apnews.com/article/business-f130b49a4e23b17697179b13664abbaf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2023, the company announced it would add electric vehicle charging stations at thousands of stores by 2030, which would be on top of the almost 1,300 existing stations that were in operation at 280 company locations at the time of the announcement. ''[[CNBC]]'' noted that the company stated it had more than 4,700 stores and 600 Sam Club's stores that were located within 10 miles of roughly 90% of Americans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheidlower |first=Noah |title=Walmart will add thousands of EV charging stations to stores by 2030 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/06/walmart-ev-charging-network-plans.html |access-date=April 6, 2023 |website=CNBC |date=April 6, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406202639/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/06/walmart-ev-charging-network-plans.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2024, Walmart announced it would open over 150 stores in the U.S. over the next five years while remodeling 650 existing ones across 47 states and Puerto Rico. This was a reversal for the company, which had been in a period of de-emphasizing new store openings as it focused on online competition, in particular from Amazon, and came amid an overall greater industry focus on traditional retail in the post-pandemic area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2024 |title=Walmart to open or expand more than 150 stores |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/corporations/walmart-open-expand-150-stores-rcna136652 |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nassauer |first=Sarah |date=January 31, 2024 |title=Walmart, in a Reversal, to Open New Stores in the U.S. |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/walmart-in-a-reversal-to-open-new-stores-in-the-u-s-ffb78d80 |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2024, the company announced that its "Project Gigaton" initiative begun in 2017 to reduce its [[Carbon accounting|Scope 3 emissions]] from suppliers by 1 billion [[Tonne|metric tons]] by 2030 had reached its goal 6 years early, and that 75% of its net sales in fiscal year 2023 were from suppliers participating in the initiative.<ref>{{cite news|last=Richters|first=Kim|date=February 23, 2024|title=Walmart Hits Supply-Chain Emissions Goal—Six Years Early|work=The Wall Street Journal|publisher=News Corp|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-hits-supply-chain-emissions-goalsix-years-early-8988d78f|access-date=February 23, 2024}}</ref>

====Acquisitions and employee benefits====

In February 2024, the company announced that managers will be given stock grants of up to $20,000, Walmart also announced a 3–1 stock split that will make it easier for employees to buy company stock. Such stock rewards for rank-and-file employees are rare in the retail industry, which analysts say could generate $20 billion in revenue for the average household in the near future.
The company is also raising the starting base salary for store managers and increasing the bonus plan of up to 200 per cent of their regular salaries.<ref>{{Cite web|language=en|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/03/what-walmarts-new-focus-on-employee-stock-means-for-american-wealth.html|title=What Walmart's new focus on employee stock means for the labor market and average American household|website=CNBC|date=February 3, 2024 |access-date=February 8, 2024|archive-date=February 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206222534/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/03/what-walmarts-new-focus-on-employee-stock-means-for-american-wealth.html}}</ref>

Also in February, Walmart entered into an agreement to acquire [[Vizio]] for $2.3{{nbsp}}billion with the intention to expand its advertising sales in video content that streams for free on Vizio devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=February 20, 2024 |title=Walmart Acquires Smart TV Firm Vizio For $2.3B, Altering Streaming Ad Landscape |url=https://deadline.com/2024/02/walmart-acquires-smart-tv-firm-vizio-streaming-advertising-1235831495/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220142503/https://deadline.com/2024/02/walmart-acquires-smart-tv-firm-vizio-streaming-advertising-1235831495/ |archive-date=February 20, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>