Historical Background of Wal-Mart Walmart is an American multinational retail corporation that operates chains of discount department stores and warehouses in most countries around the world. The company is the second largest public company in the world; Wal-Mart remains a family-owned company, as the company is controlled by the Walton family, which owns a 48% stake in Wal-Mart. It is also one of the most valuable companies in the world. Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, incorporated in 1969, and first listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972, Wal-Mart is an international retail giant best known for its low prices and wide selection of items for sale they range from groceries to clothing, electronics and hunting equipment. Walmart currently has over 11,000 stores in 27 countries under 55 different names, including Asda, Seiyu and Best Price for the UK, Japan and India respectively. Its headquarters are located in Bentonville, Arkansas. However, despite its current status as a retail giant, it wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that the company made a big leap from a regional company to a national and then international giant. As a company, Wal-Mart is committed to maintaining a clean image in the eyes of the public. Its commercials are filled with bright-eyed employees or “Associates” applauding the company's low prices, wide product selection and “family-friendly” environment. Upon entering any Wal-Mart in the United States, shoppers are usually greeted by a designated greeter whose sole function is to make the customer feel at home. Wal-Mart may appear to be the best seller of products in the United States; however, there are things that aren't even made in the United States; they are made outside the country. Also, Wa... middle of paper... people can express opinions, but it takes the will of Wal-Mart's employers or when the law speaks. Works Cited Abelson, Reed. "High healthcare costs every day; the fight of a giant is also that of American multinationals." The New York Times. The New York Times, October 28, 2005. Web. March 18, 2014. Doyle, Alison. “Pay to work on Thanksgiving.” Job search on About.com. Np, November 6, 2013. Web. March 15, 2014.… “Dead Farmer's Insurance” Freeman, R. Edward. “The Wal-Mart Effect and Business, Ethics, and Society.” Academy of Management Perspectives 20.3 (2006): 38-40. Academy of Management, August 2006. Web. March 12, 2014. Sebelius, Kathleen. “2014 Poverty Guidelines.” ASP. Page no. January 17, 2014. Web. March 15, 2014...… “Wal-Mart factsheets” < http://makingchangeatwalmart.org/factsheet/>