Globalization means operating in the world economy as a single economy. Globalization is a compulsion now. It promotes the most efficient and cost-effective use of resources. The market encourages productivity and efficiency gains from specialization, it builds economies of scale, it improves efficiency because of greater competition. Globalization is as powerful a force as democracy is. The parallels are obvious. Like democracy spelt equality and increased levels of accountability in society, globalization will create uniformity in customer expectations the world over. This will force suppliers to be far more accountable to consumers. Call it the creation of the Universal Customer, one who expects the same quality of products and services regardless of where he is located in the world. This does not mean one customer, one world, one brand or one positioning platform.
Case of Wal-Mart
Founded in 1962 by Sam Walton, Wal-Mart followed an amazing pattern of success and growth, eclipsing all other U.S. department store retailers by the early 1990’s. In early spring 2001, Wal-Mart enjoyed a huge market capitalization of over $230B, which was down from highs of nearly $300B in early 2000. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the world's largest retailer and the largest company in the world based on revenues, ignoring profits (income), assets, and market capitalization. In the fiscal year ending January 31, 2002, Wal-Mart had $219 billion in sales and $6.6 billion in net income. It employs over 1 million people in the United States at 3,400 stores and 1.4 million people worldwide at 4,500 retail units in 10 countries: the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, China, Korea, Germany, and the United Kingdom (where it owns the ASDA chain of super ...