Walmart, is an American multinational retail corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. Walmart remains a family-owned business, as the company is controlled by the Walton family, who own a 48 percent stake in Walmart.

The company was founded by Sam Walton in 1962, incorporated on 1969, and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. It is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. Walmart is also the largest grocery retailer in the United States. In 2009, it generated 51 percent of its US$258 billion sales in the U.S. from grocery business.

Walmart has 8,500 stores in 15 countries, under 55 different names. The company operates under the Walmart name in the United States, including the 50 states and Puerto Rico. It operates in Mexico as Walmex, in the United Kingdom as Asda, in Japan as Seiyu, and in India as Best Price. It has wholly owned operations in Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Walmart's investments outside North America have had mixed results: its operations in the United Kingdom, South America and China are highly successful, whereas ventures in Germany and South Korea were unsuccessful.

Global Responsibility

Walmart remains one of the world's largest charitable contributors to local communities through volunteerism, financial contributions and in–kind donations. In 2005, they began their emphasis on environmental sustainability. Today, they have programs supporting many areas including economic opportunity, hunger, responsible sourcing and healthy living. They're focused on making the food they sell healthier and more affordable. In the U.S. alone this past year, they saved customers more than $1 billion on fresh fruits and vegetables through sustainable agriculture practices and sourcing improvements.

They help millions of associates build successful and rewarding careers. In 2011, they took on a new opportunity — women's economic empowerment. Walmart's efforts will not only support the advancement of women in their company, but also will strengthen women–owned enterprises across the globe through a focus on sourcing and training.