A Walmart timeline from the 1962 Rogers store through Sam Walton, Sam's Club, Supercenters, the Fortune 500 peak, Walmart.com, Flipkart, and Walmart+.
From one discount store in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962 to the world's largest retailer, Walmart redefined everyday low prices, Supercenters, Sam's Club, and global scale. This timeline follows Sam Walton's rise, public markets, international expansion, and the e-commerce era.
Sam Walton opens the first Walmart Discount City on 2 July 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas.
By 1967 the Walton family owns 24 stores ringing up about $12.7 million in sales.
The company officially incorporates as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1969.
Walmart becomes a publicly traded company; the first stock sells at $16.50 a share.
Walmart lists on the NYSE under ticker WMT with 51 stores and $78 million in sales.
The company founds the Walmart Foundation as philanthropy becomes a standing arm of the business.
Walmart reaches $1 billion in yearly sales faster than any other company at the time, with 276 stores.
The first Sam's Club membership warehouse opens in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Walton dances the hula on Wall Street after associates hit an 8% pre-tax profit goal.
The first Supercenter opens in Washington, Missouri, combining general merchandise with a full supermarket.
David Glass is named CEO as Sam Walton steps back from day-to-day leadership.
Through a joint venture with Cifra, Walmart opens a Sam's Club in Mexico City and goes global.
Shortly before his death at 74, Walton receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom and restates the save-money mission.
Sam Walton dies on 5 April 1992; Rob Walton becomes chairman.
Walmart buys 122 Woolco stores and enters the Canadian market.
Walmart.com is founded so U.S. customers can shop online; first China stores also open.
The company posts its first $100 billion sales year, serving about 90 million customers a week worldwide.
For the first time Walmart ranks No. 1 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest companies.
Walmart introduces a $4 generic-drug prescription program that reshapes pharmacy pricing.
Doug McMillon succeeds Mike Duke as CEO, pushing e-commerce and store modernization.
The company changes its legal name from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to Walmart Inc.
Walmart acquires Flipkart, a major bet on Indian e-commerce.
During COVID-19, Walmart launches Walmart+ and turns parking lots into testing sites.
Walmart marks 60 years since the first Rogers store opened.
John Furner is set to succeed Doug McMillon as President and CEO of Walmart Inc.
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