Sam Walton Business Tycoon

Sam Walton possessed a gift enabling him to foresee where the market was headed. Walton did not invent discount retailing, but by his great pursuit of discounting, he revolutionized the service economy. Not only did he change how America shopped, he initiated the shift of power from manufacturer to consumer.

During the 1950’s discounting was extremely controversial. It threatened control of the market. Therefore, manufacturers and traditional retailers hated it. A majority of the states pla

Executives tried to explain why Wal-Mart had been doing so poorly. The death of Sam Walton, a business icon, is part of the reason. Glass feels that a more concrete reason for the downfall was that management took on too many opportunities all at once. Purchasing 100 Pace warehouse clubs, which they then converted into Sam’s Clubs, increased that division’s units by greater than a third. They built many super-centers that required a large amount of money. Internationally, Wal-Mart bought 122 Woolco stores in Canada and took on a joint venture with a Mexican retailer, Cifra.

Wal-Mart’s future is one with extreme growth. Corporate executives have taken on problems the company has faced. When stocks declined severely in 1995 management identified the problem. By making some changes this bad year only seemed to slightly hinder Wal-Marts progress. They are back on the move facing new challenges. They have big plans for their stores. Currently they are building “super centers”. These mammoth stores sell general merchandise as well as food. Some locations do more than $100 million in sales a year. At this point in time they have erected 721 super centers. Planning to add 150 a year, this rate will more than double its total by 2004. If Wal-Mart continues on the same trend they will own stores where one can accomplish all their everyday activities and meet all their needs. Convenience is a luxury many Americans love. Imagine having to find only one parking space in order to accomplish all errands. While buying groceries your car can be getting tuned and a pharmacist can fulfill your prescriptions. Small storeowners do not think fondly of Wal-Mart, but the consumer does. Low prices it what people are after. The store where a person can receive the most for a dollar is where their money will be spent. The future for small stores does not look hopeful. For Wal-Mart it has already shown that the sky is the limit.

Operating 15 variety stores mostly in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, Walton was fairly rich. His small town stores sold goods at a high mark up. His family vacations consisted of visiting his stores. While traveling, he noticed Herb Gibson, a barber, establishing discount stores outside the towns where he had his located. At t

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