Walmart's Global Expansion

Established in Arkansas in 1962 by Sam Walton, over the last four decades Walmart has growth rapidly to be come the largest retailer in the world with sales of $330 billion, 1.8 million associates (Walmart term for employees)

Case Discussion Questions:

1. How does expanding internationally benefit Walmart?

2. What are the risks that Walmart Faces when entering other retail markets? How can these risks mitigated?

3. Why do you think that Walmart first entered Mexico via a joint venture! Why did it purchase its Mexican joint venture partner in 1998?

4. What strategy is Walmart pursuing-a global strategy, localization strategy, international strategy, or transnational strategy? Does this strategic choice make sense? Why?