Today, 95 Walmart associates in Greenbrier, Arkansas, marked an incredible milestone: the grand opening of our 5,000th U.S. location, a Neighborhood Market. Since our first store opening in 1962, associates just like these have not only helped us serve customers all across America – they’ve also driven innovations and accomplishments that have helped us grow. Here’s a look back at a few of the moments they made possible.
1. Making UPCs … universal. In 1983, we began using Universal Product Codes (aka bar codes) at our checkouts, allowing us to better manage inventory. Today, we’ve taken that technology to a new level through innovations like Savings Catcher, which allows you to use your smartphone to scan the bar code on a Walmart receipt and make sure you’re getting the best price.
2. Driving our own logistics. Walmart’s private fleet and distribution network began with just
three tractor-trailers and our founder’s idea to efficiently transport freight.
Today, our
transportation operation is one of the largest
around the globe, with each distribution center using more than 5 miles of
conveyor belts to keep products moving to stores – and to you – 24 hours a day.
3. Getting creative with
convenience. The first supercenter opened in 1988 in Washington,
Missouri, offering one-stop shopping for groceries and general merchandise.
Today, we’re using technology to let you shop when and where it’s most
convenient, whether it’s stocking up at a Sam’s Club, using our grocery
delivery service in Denver or San Francisco,
or stopping by a Neighborhood Market location that’s perfect for families on
the go.
4. Jobs that work. In 1980, we had just 276 stores and employed 21,000 associates. Today,
we provide the means for building a career to 1.3 million associates in the
U.S. – one great example being our CEO,
Doug McMillon, who began his time at Walmart more than 30 years ago
as an hourly summer associate in a distribution center. At Walmart, there’s
truly no limit to success.
5. Aiming for the greener good. In
2005, then-Walmart CEO Lee Scott put us on an aggressive course toward
environmental sustainability, using the size and scale of our company to set
goals in three areas: energy, waste and products. Today, we’ve made progress in
all three areas, such as keeping 81% of our global waste out of the landfill
and being
recognized as the largest on-site
green power generator in the U.S. for the third year in
a row. What does that mean for you? We’re cutting our energy costs so we can
pass those savings back through everyday low prices, all while doing the right
thing for the environment.
6. Moving forward with our $4 plan.
In 2006, we introduced our $4
prescription program, which not only drove down the price of hundreds of
generic medicines – it influenced the competitive landscape. Today, we’re still
offering innovative health and wellness solutions for our customers, such as
Care Clinics in select locations, an in-store
insurance comparison service, and even working to
make healthier food options like fresh produce more affordable and accessible.
From our
first store in 1962 to our 5,000th in 2014, everything we do at Walmart and
Sam’s Club is focused on our promise of offering everyday low prices on the
broadest assortment of products – and making shopping easier and more
convenient for our customers.
David Reaves
When, in general, did Walmart stop using the green anti-tamper stickers? Wondering since I saw someone's box of staples recently that was not barcoded with a UPC that had a green sticker.
Dreampod Brands
Walmart has become the stuff of legends in the IT / logistics fulfillment industry, pioneering just-in-time delivery before there was a name for it. Love it or hate it, it's not going anywhere!
Brenton Calaway
How about you pay your workers a living wage so my tax dollars don't have to pay for their food stamps? It's employer responsibility.
jesse lee
brenton calaway. why dont you go out and educate the food stamp recipients on independent living, so they can be proud of actually trying hard and not wanting to force an employer to pay them extra for a sub par work force. do you understand that if they payed $15 minimum wage the folks who had those jobs would be taking all the workload. therefore the $8 workers would be out of a job. you cant tell me the little old lady at the door telling me to have a nice day is $15 worth. good day
Md Fazluddin
Keep up the good work