With the changing customer preferences, global economic dynamics, and technological advancements, businesses are evolving continuously. And in the dynamic landscape of the American retail industry, Walmart Inc. stands as an enduring giant, deeply rooted in the fabric of the nation’s consumer culture.
With around 605.88 billion U.S. dollars in sales in January 2023, Walmart is a leading American multinational retail corporation. The unique Walmart business model works on three segments including:
- Walmart U.S.
- Sam’s Club (a membership-only warehouse club)
- Walmart International
Walmart announced that its online sales grew 24% during the second quarter of 2023. However, international eCommerce sales grew by 26%. Walmart’s total revenue increased by 5.7%, $161.6 billion. The company’s online sales remain the fastest-growing area; it grew almost four times as quickly as in-store sales in the same period.
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What is Walmart?
Walmart is a multinational retailer that operates supercenters, discount departments, and grocery stores in the U.S., headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. The company owns and operates Sam’s Club retail warehouses and was founded by James “Bud” and Walton Sam near Rogers, Arkansas, and incorporated under Delaware General Corporation Law in 1969.
Walmart has evolved into a formidable force, shaping the way Americans shop and setting the standard for retail excellence. With a vast network of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery outlets across the United States, Walmart’s business model has played a pivotal role in reshaping the American retail experience.
Walmart’s success story in the American market is not just a testament to its longevity but also a reflection of its ability to adapt to changing consumer demands, market dynamics, and technological advancements. From its humble beginnings as a small-town discount store, Walmart has grown into a multinational retail corporation renowned for its innovative approach to delivering value and convenience to American consumers.
Walmart’s Success Story and Funding History
Walmart is the world’s largest company by revenue and has 10,586 stores and clubs in 24 countries. Walmart has almost 10,586 stores and clubs in 24 countries, operating 46 different names. The company has 2.2 million employees. It’s a traded family-owned business and is controlled by the Walton family. Explore more to have insight into Walmart’s success story.
Formerly:
Wal-Mart Discount City (1962–1969)
Wal-Mart, Inc. (1969–1970)
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (1970–2018)
Industry: Retail
Founded:
July 2, 1962; in Rogers, Arkansas
October 31, 1969; in Wilmington, Delaware
Founder: Sam Walton and Bud Walton
Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas, U.S.
Area served: Worldwide
Revenue: Increase US$611.3 billion (FY2023)
Number of employees: 2,300,000
Divisions:
Walmart U.S.
Walmart International
Sam’s Club
Global eCommerce
Website: walmart.com
Walmart announced the acquisition of Volt Systems in August 2022. The company also partnered with Paramount to offer Paramount+ content to Walmart+ subscribers to compete with Amazon.
In 2023, Walmart announced it raised the minimum wage from $12 to $14 for U.S. hourly workers. Later the company announced it raised $611.3 billion in sales in February 2023, 6.7% up from previous years. The company announced the addition of electric vehicle charging stations at thousands of stores in April 2023.
Walmart-owned PhonePe raised around $1 billion from General Atlantic and present investors, including Microsoft Corp., Tiger Global Management, and Qatar Investment Authority.
Walmart paid around $1.4 billion to buy out Flipkart’s Tiger Global’s remaining holding shares as the retail giant plans to expand its stake in the Indian eCommerce startup.
Walmart Business Model: How Walmart Works?
Innovation and adaptability are indeed key components of the unique success of Walmart’s business model. These elements have been instrumental in keeping the company at the forefront of the retail industry. Here’s a closer look at how innovation and adaptability play a crucial role in Walmart’s business model:
Supply Chain Innovation
The company is renowned for its groundbreaking supply chain innovations. It was among the first retailers to use barcode scanning, revolutionizing inventory management and reducing stockouts.
The company has continued to invest heavily in supply chain technology, including RFID (radio-frequency identification) and blockchain, to enhance visibility, track products, and improve efficiency.
Technology and E-commerce
Walmart recognized the importance of the digital age and invested significantly in eCommerce. It has developed a robust online platform allowing customers to purchase products online and access various services.
The acquisition of eCommerce companies like Jet.com and the partnership with technology firms have further demonstrated Walmart’s commitment to innovation in the online retail space.
Data Analytics
Walmart utilizes advanced data analytics to gain insights into customer behavior, preferences, and market trends. This data-driven approach informs decisions on inventory management, pricing strategies, and personalized marketing efforts.
Omnichannel Retail
Walmart seamlessly integrates its physical stores with digital channels through initiatives like “Walmart Pickup” and “Pickup Today.” Customers can shop online and order in-store, promoting convenience and choice.
Adaptability to Market Needs
Walmart’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics is a hallmark of its success. The company tailors its product offerings and strategies to cater to local preferences and regulations in various countries.
Sustainability Initiatives
Recognizing the growing importance of sustainability, Walmart has initiated environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sourcing sustainable products, and promoting ethical supply chain practices.
Community Engagement
Walmart engages with local communities through charitable contributions, disaster relief efforts, and sustainability initiatives. This adaptability to community needs strengthens the company’s brand and reputation.
Partnerships and Acquisitions
Walmart strategically partners with technology companies and acquires startups to stay at the forefront of retail innovation. These partnerships have enabled the company to offer new services and technologies to customers.
Global Expansion
Walmart’s adaptability extends to international markets. It tailors its store formats and product offerings to align with each region’s cultural and economic preferences.
Walmart Business Model Segments Explained!
Walmart is a multinational retail corporation focused on providing consumers with various products and services. A Walmart business model centers around offering customers everyday low prices (EDLP). The unique Walmart business model has three segments, these include:
Walmart U.S.
Walmart U.S. is the largest segment of the organization and is responsible for managing all the stores in the 50 states of the United States, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
The business model’s segment covers various daily necessities for individuals, including groceries, fitness products, entertainment, clothing, hardlines (goods such as electronics and appliances), and household goods. It also provides financial services such as wire transfers, money orders, prepaid cards, and bill payments.
Walmart U.S. offers physical access to customers through three primary store formats:
- Supercenters,
- Discount stores,
- Other smaller store formats.
Customers can access Walmart U.S. digitally through eCommerce websites and mobile applications. The digital stores are integrated with physical stores, offering services like “Walmart Pickup” and “Pickup Today.”
Walmart International
Walmart International operates in 27 countries and includes various store formats such as retail, wholesale, and others. These stores are operated through joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries.
The segment provides physical access to customers through 156 distribution facilities, serving a global customer base. Walmart International complements its physical stores with digital access, including services like “Click & Collect” in the U.K. and home delivery in Mexico.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is Walmart’s membership-only warehouse club segment, operating in 44 states in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It also has an online presence through samsclub.com and offers subscription services to both individual customers and business owners. Sam’s Club enhances its physical clubs and serves its members through digital access, including a service called “Club Pickup.”
These three segments showcase the diverse business operations of Walmart, catering to a wide range of customer needs, both in physical stores and through digital channels. Customer-centric Walmart business model encompasses various store formats, services, and locations, allowing it to reach a global customer base and offer a comprehensive retail experience.
Walmart Revenue Model: How Walmart Makes Money?
Walmart generates revenue through various streams. Let’s have a quick look at Walmart’s revenue model to know how it makes money:
Retail Sales
Most of Walmart’s revenue, approximately 85%, comes from selling a range of products through its physical stores. This includes groceries, apparel, home goods, and other goods.
E-commerce Sales
E-commerce is an increasingly significant part of Walmart’s revenue, contributing around 10%. Customers shop online through Walmart’s eCommerce platform and mobile applications.
Sam’s Club Memberships
Sam’s Club, Walmart’s membership-only warehouse club, contributes about 3% of the company’s revenue through membership fees and sales of products in its stores.
Private Label Brands
Walmart’s private-label brands, such as Great Value and Equate, make up approximately 2% of the company’s revenue. These brands often yield higher profit margins.
Financial Services
Financial services, including money orders, prepaid cards, wire transfers, and bill payments, contribute around 1% of Walmart’s revenue. These services generate fees and commissions.
Advertising and Data Monetization
Walmart leverages its extensive customer data to offer targeted advertising to brands. This data-driven advertising generates around 1% of the company’s revenue.
Pharmacy and Health Services
Revenue from pharmacy services, prescription medications, over-the-counter health products, and associated services accounts for about 1% of Walmart’s total revenue.
International Operation
Walmart’s international operations, spanning 27 countries, contribute approximately 3% of its revenue through various retail and wholesale formats.
Licensing and Royalties
Walmart generates revenue by licensing its brand and merchandise to third-party manufacturers and suppliers, resulting in approximately 1% of its total revenue.
Real Estate and Miscellaneous
While not primary sources of revenue, income from real estate leasing or sales, as well as other miscellaneous sources, collectively account for about 3% of Walmart’s revenue.
Walmart’s revenue model is diversified, encompassing various retail operations, e-commerce, membership clubs, financial services, data monetization, international expansion, and more. This diversification allows Walmart to remain one of the world’s largest and most profitable retailers.
Ending Note
Walmart’s business model thrives on innovation and adaptability. By continuously investing in technology, data analytics, and supply chain enhancements, the company remains agile and capable of meeting evolving consumer needs. Its ability to pivot, integrate digital and physical retail seamlessly, and address sustainability and community concerns underscores Walmart’s commitment to remaining a leader in the ever-changing retail landscape.
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Frequently Ask Questions
Walmart’s business model focuses on offering a wide range of products at
low prices, ensuring convenience through both physical stores and online
platforms. The company operates with a focus on cost leadership,
inventory management, and scalability, catering to customers worldwide
through its massive retail network and e-commerce operations.
Technology plays a critical role in Walmart's operations. The company
uses data analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize inventory
management, supply chain logistics, and personalized marketing. Walmart
has also heavily invested in e-commerce and mobile technology to provide
a seamless shopping experience both online and in stores.
Walmart’s adaptability to e-commerce has been key to its continued
success. The company has invested in its digital infrastructure by
acquiring e-commerce platforms and enhancing its online presence through
Walmart.com and its mobile app. Walmart offers a click-and-collect
service, enabling customers to shop online and pick up their orders at
physical locations.
Walmart’s omnichannel strategy integrates both its physical and online
stores to create a seamless shopping experience for customers. Through
features like buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS), curbside pickup, and
same-day delivery, Walmart combines the convenience of online shopping
with the advantages of physical retail stores, enhancing customer
satisfaction and loyalty.
Walmart has one of the most efficient supply chains in the world. The
company uses sophisticated logistics and inventory systems, such as its
Retail Link system, which allows suppliers to access real-time data on
product sales. This level of transparency ensures optimal stock levels,
minimizes overstocking or understocking, and improves operational
efficiency.
Walmart’s private label brands, such as Great Value and Equate,
contribute significantly to its profitability. These in-house brands
offer consumers high-quality products at lower prices compared to
national brands, which helps Walmart attract cost-conscious customers
while maintaining higher profit margins.
Walmart is highly responsive to changing market conditions and consumer
preferences. The company continuously conducts market research and
adjusts its product offerings to cater to consumer demands. For
instance, Walmart has adapted to the growing demand for organic products
and sustainable goods by expanding its selection of eco-friendly
products and sourcing sustainably.
Walmart’s global expansion allows the company to tap into diverse
markets and scale its operations internationally. The company has
adapted its business model to cater to local market needs, adjusting
product offerings, pricing strategies, and marketing to align with
regional preferences. International markets like China, India, and
Mexico have become crucial to Walmart’s overall revenue.
Walmart generates revenue from multiple streams, including:
- Retail Sales: Revenue from the sale of goods in physical
stores and online.
- Membership Programs: Walmart+ membership program offers
benefits like free shipping and discounts, contributing to
subscription-based revenue.
- Financial Services: Walmart provides services like money
transfers, bill payments, and credit cards, contributing to its
diversified revenue.
- Advertising: Walmart has expanded its advertising
business through its retail media network, allowing brands to
advertise on its digital platforms.
- Retail Sales: Revenue from the sale of goods in physical stores and online.
- Membership Programs: Walmart+ membership program offers benefits like free shipping and discounts, contributing to subscription-based revenue.
- Financial Services: Walmart provides services like money transfers, bill payments, and credit cards, contributing to its diversified revenue.
- Advertising: Walmart has expanded its advertising business through its retail media network, allowing brands to advertise on its digital platforms.
Viral Kacha – CEO & Sales Head
Author
With years of expertise in the on-demand app industry, Viral Kacha leads White Label Fox with a vision to empower startups and enterprises with top-tier, ready-made app solutions. His strategic approach, strong leadership, and deep market understanding drive business growth, innovation, and client success. He is dedicated to helping businesses scale efficiently with cutting-edge technology.
