when was the first walmart built

America’s Top RetailerBy 1990, Walmart was the nation's number-one retailer. As the Walmart Supercenter redefined convenience and one-stop shopping, Every Day Low Prices went international.

1984Sam Walton did the hula on Wall Street, making good on a promise to associates after the company achieved a pre-tax profit of 8% for the previous fiscal year.1987The company installed the largest private satellite communication system in the U.S., linking the company's operations through voice, data and video communication.1988The first Walmart Supercenter opened in Washington, Mo., combining general merchandise and a full-scale supermarket to provide one-stop shopping convenience.David Glass was named CEO.

1980Walmart reached $1 billion in annual sales, faster than any other company at that time.Walmart had 276 stores and employed 21,000 associates. 1983The first Sam’s Club opened in Midwest City, Okla.Walmart replaced cash registers with computerized point-of-sale systems, enabling fast and accurate checkout. 

Decade of FirstsIn the 1980s, the first Sam's Club opened, serving small businesses and individuals, and the first Walmart Supercenter opened, combining a supermarket with general merchandise.

1979The Walmart Foundation was established.

1975Inspired by a visit to a Korean manufacturing facility, Sam Walton introduced the Walmart cheer.

With 51 stores, Walmart recorded sales of $78 million.

1972Walmart was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (WMT).

1970Walmart became a publicly traded company. The first stock was sold at $16.50 per share.1971The first distribution center and Home Office opened in Bentonville, Ark.

Walmart Goes NationalIn the 1970s, a decade of incredible growth, "Mr. Sam" began to take Walmart national, proving his vision's widespread appeal.

1969The company officially incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 

1967The Walton family owned 24 stores, ringing up $12.7 million in sales.

1962On July 2, 1962, Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Ark.

Retail RevolutionSam Walton's strategy was built on an unshakeable foundation: The Lowest Prices Anytime, Anywhere.

Walmart store 1 in Rogers, Arkansas.

Walmart's history is more than just the stores we've built, the partnerships we've made and the customers we've served. So much of our history is in the details.See how Walmart began, how we grew and how our leadership has changed the retail industry.

Experience Walmart's History

Learn how Sam Walton founded Walmart, hear from former executives David Glass and Don Soderquist, and see famous footage of Mr. Sam dancing the hula on Wall Street.

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Walmart Corporate - History Timeline