Company Introduction and Analysis Paper
on
Wal-Mart
By: Team A
ECONOMICS FOR BUSINESS I - ECO/360
June 13, 2005
Abstract
Wal-Mart has grown to be one of the biggest corporations in the world, employing 1.3 million workers worldwide in 2003 in over 4,300 stores with sales around $256 billion. They sell everything from clothing, tools, toys, electronic goods, appliances and groceries. A major force behind its success was the vision, enterprise and daring of its founder, Sam Walton. He was the one who started the "super center" retail event. He also implemented a supply chain strategy that required stores to reorder stocks only as needed instead of keeping huge amounts of merchandise in warehouses. Mr. Walton also mastered the art of low pricing that attracted millions of customers. Through the years, this company has employed more than 1.5 million associates worldwide through more than 3,600 facilities in the United States and more than 1,570 units in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, China, Korea, Germany and the United Kingdom. More than 138 million customers per week visit Wal-Mart stores worldwide.
In this paper, Team A will introduce Wal-Mart and give a little background on its history. We will discuss in detail, the analysis and cost structure of the company. We will also discuss the primary economic variables that will impact the long-run profitability of Wal-mart.
INTRODUCTION TO OUR COMPANY (WAL-MART)
The company that Team A has selected to discuss is Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has become one of the biggest discount retailers in America and they strive on providing low prices and high service. They have come a long way from their beginnings in Bentonville, Arkansas. Sam Wa ...