Wal-Mart has been surrounded by controversy for many years. Some accuse Wal-Mart of racial and sexual profiling and destroying local economies. Yet, when Wal-Mart moves into town, ample jobs of all skill levels are created. For students and community members, a local Wal-Mart means more convenient shopping. This semester, The Clock has chosen to highlight issues surrounding the Wal-Mart controversy. Perhaps by the end of the semester, we can draw a conclusion on what others having been fighting about for years. The following is a time line of historic moments in the Wal-Mart legacy.
The first Wal-Mart was founded in 1962 in Rogers, AR. By 1962, there are twenty-four in the state, grossing $12.6 million.
The first distribution center opened in Bentonville, AK in 1970. By 1972, there are 38 stores in five states, and Wal-Mart is added to the New York Stock Exchange.
Hutcheson Shoe Company acquired; Wal-Mart pharmacy, auto service center and jewelry divisions introduced in 1978. Wal-Mart becomes the first company to reach $1 billion in sales in such a short time, with 276 stores, 21,000 employees in 11 states.
1983- First Sam’s Club opens in Midwest City, OK and “People Greeters” are implemented at all stores. For the eighth straight year, Forbes Magazine lists Wal-Mart as the number one general retail store.
1988- First Supercenter opens in Washington, MO.
In 1991, Wal-Mart enters northern states, including MA and NH. By this time, Wal-Mart is the number one grossing retail store in the world. First international store opens in Mexico City. “Sam’s American Choice” brand is introduced.
Sam Walton passes away April 5, 1992. Wal-Mart is now in forty-five states and Puerto Rico.
1997- Wal-Mart is the largest US employer, serves over 90 million customers a week worldwide, and has its first $100 billion sales year. It is now in all fifty states, Vermont being last. Wal-Mart now censors “objectionable” album content, forcing small time artists to re-record or change objectionable cover art.
1998- A jury finds Wal-Mart guilty of firing a white female employee because she was dating a black man. Two surveys find that over 80% of clothing sold at Wal-Mart is made overseas, according to www.walmartwatch.com
2002- Wal-Mart has the biggest grossing day in history- $1.43 billion on the day after Thanksgiving. Wal-Mart is now in Korea, Argentina, Canada, the UK, and others.
2003- Wal-Mart pulls “racy” magazines from its shelves, such as Cosmopolitan and Redbook. Wal-Mart refuses to sell “the morning after pill”- an emergency contraceptive that can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
All information provided by www.walmartstores.com and www.walmartwatch.com