5 stunning stats about Walmart
Wal-Mart is now officially Walmart.
The company had been known as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. since 1970, but it announced a change in December. That became official today when it filed new incorporation papers in Delaware.
Customers won't notice the change. The corporate name is different, but Walmart storefronts, advertisem*nts, bags and merchandise dropped the hyphen in 2008.
Why the switch? It's a nod to the digital era and its biggest rival, Amazon.
Walmart isn't only a retail store anymore. Although it has 11,600 locations around the world, the company Sam Walton founded in 1962 has become an online shopping juggernaut.
"The name change chiefly demonstrates the company's growing emphasis on serving customers seamlessly however they want to shop," Walmart said in a December news release. "While our new legal name removes the dash, we're not planning to change the Walmart cheer."
Walmart now owns online brands, such as Jet.com, ModCloth, Bonobos and Moosejaw. It recently bought Parcel, a logistics startup that will offer same-day deliveries for online purchases in New York City. Walmart's digital sales rose 50% in the United States during the most recent quarter.
The company has also stepped up its grocery business both in stores and online as Amazon becomes a major supermarket player with Whole Foods.
Related: Walmart is killing Target and making Amazon sweat
Walmart's digital capabilities have helped it keep pace with Amazon (AMZN) and survive the retail slump as more consumers buy products with the click of a button instead of heading to the store.
Shares of Walmart (WMT) gained 42% last year while other retailers like Target (TGT), JCPenney (JCP), Macy's (M) and Sears (SHLD)struggled.
-CNNMoney's Paul R. La Monica contributed to this story.
CNNMoney (New York) First published February 1, 2018: 12:27 PM ET
FAQs
Why is Wal-mart changing its name to Walmart? It's not about the hyphen, it's about going from Wal-Mart Stores Inc to Walmart Inc. It's about dropping the stores due to Wal-Mart being so much more that just the brick and mortar buildings. Hope that clarifies.
Can you change your name on Walmart? ›
You can edit your name, phone number, email, and shipping address from your account.
Did Walmart change owners? ›
It is a publicly traded family-owned business, as the company is controlled by the Walton family. Sam Walton's heirs own over 50 percent of Walmart through both their holding company Walton Enterprises and their individual holdings.
What was Walmart originally called? ›
The history of Walmart, an American discount department store chain, began in 1950 when businessman Sam Walton purchased a store from Luther E. Harrison in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and opened Walton's 5 & 10.
Why is Walmart closing self-checkout? ›
So it's not good for driving customer loyalty, " Saunders noted. Still, rising theft — part of what retailers call "shrink" — is the primary reason self-checkout is being ditched in some stores and restricted in others, according to Saunders.
What will Walmart be called? ›
The company changes its legal name from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to Walmart Inc.
What is Walmart's official name? ›
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The world's largest retailer is officially changing its legal name from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to Walmart Inc.
Can you change the name on a Walmart to Walmart transfer? ›
Visit our website or app. Once you log in, you'll be shown your Recent money transfer activity. Select a transfer you want to edit and then choose Show details. If your money transfer is eligible for a name change, you'll see an Edit receiver's name link.
Did Walmart used to have a hyphen? ›
The retail giant updated its logo again in 1981, keeping the hyphen and changing the font. Another update came in 1992. Walmart kept the font of its previous logo the same but replaced the hyphen with a star. Finally, in 2008, Walmart dropped the hyphen and arrived at the blue logo it touts today.
How much of Walmart does China own? ›
However, when it comes to the ownership of Walmart stores in America, there is no evidence to suggest that China holds any ownership stake. Walmart, a multinational retail corporation, was founded by Sam Walton in 1962 and is still largely controlled by the Walton family.
Sam's Club Company Facts
A division of Walmart Inc., we are the membership warehouse club solution for everyday living. Our President and CEO is Chris Nicholas and our headquarters is in Bentonville, AR. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2023, Sam's Club's total revenue was $84.3 billion.
Does the FLDS own Walmart? ›
There is no link between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Walmart. There are no dietary restrictions that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has for its members.
Does Walmart own Family Dollar? ›
Dollar Tree, Inc. is not owned by Walmart. It is an independent company. It owns Dollar Tree, Dollar Bills and also a subsidiary known as Family Dollar. The parent company was once known as Only $1.00.
Is Walmart changing its name? ›
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 6, 2017 – Reflecting its growing status as an omni-channel retailer Walmart today announced plans to change the company's legal name from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to Walmart Inc. effective Feb. 1, 2018.
How many Walmart billionaires are there? ›
Legendary founder Sam Walton's three surviving children — Rob, Jim, and Alice — all rank highly on the Forbes rich list with personal fortunes of between $72 billion and $79 billion.
Why Walmart is completely changing its stores? ›
Our new and remodeled stores will reflect Walmart's Store of the Future concept, featuring improved layouts, expanded product selections and innovative technology to help our associates better support our customers and make shopping more convenient and enjoyable.
Why did Walmart drop the hyphen? ›
The corporate name is different, but Walmart storefronts, advertisem*nts, bags and merchandise dropped the hyphen in 2008. Why the switch? It's a nod to the digital era and its biggest rival, Amazon. Walmart isn't only a retail store anymore.
Why are Walmart closing in usa? ›
Walmart closing more stores
The retailer has already closed 11 stores across the United States in 2024 due to a variety of issues, including underperformance. It also made the decision to close its 51 health clinic locations and sunset its entire health division.
Why did Walmart change their slogan? ›
The Changes in Marketing Campaigns
Walmart's slogan is a result of a dip in sales. The slogan first appeared in television ads, followed by print media replacing the previous slogan, “Always low prices!”
