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Walmart, founded in 1962 by Sam Walton, has grown from a single discount store in Arkansas to become the world’s largest retailer, with a commanding presence in both physical and digital retail landscapes[3]. As of fiscal year 2025, Walmart operates over 10,750 stores and serves approximately 270 million customers each week across 19 countries, employing about 2.1 million associates worldwide[1][2][4]. The company reported $681 billion in revenue for 2025, reflecting a 5.1% increase from the previous year and an 8.6% rise in operating income, underscoring its robust financial health and ongoing expansion[1][4][6]. ## What Walmart Does Walmart is a leader in hypermarkets and discount retail, offering a vast range of products—from groceries and apparel to electronics and home goods—through its extensive network of physical stores, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps[2][3]. Its business is organized into three main segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam’s Club, a members-only warehouse club[3][5]. The company’s mission—“to help people save money and live better”—drives its focus on everyday low prices, convenience, and customer-centric innovation[2][5]. ## History and Key Achievements Walmart’s journey from a single store to a global powerhouse is marked by relentless expansion, operational efficiency, and technological adoption[3]. Key milestones include the launch of Walmart Supercenters in the 1980s, international expansion beginning in the 1990s, and the rapid growth of its e-commerce business in the 2010s and beyond[3]. Today, online sales account for 18% of Walmart’s revenue, fueled by four consecutive quarters of 20% growth[1]. The company’s retail media network, Walmart Connect, has also surged, with ad revenue up 50% in a recent quarter

Best Buy Co., Inc. is a leading American multinational consumer electronics retailer headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota. Founded in 1966 by Richard M. Schulze and James Wheeler as an audio specialty store called Sound of Music in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company transformed significantly over the decades. In 1983, it was rebranded as Best Buy Company, Inc., shifting focus to a superstore format that emphasized low prices and a wide selection of consumer electronics, home appliances, and VCRs, targeting a broader and more affluent customer base[1][4][5]. Key milestones in Best Buy’s evolution include its 1985 Initial Public Offering (IPO), which provided capital for rapid expansion across the United States[1][3]. In 1988, Best Buy introduced its innovative "Concept II" store format, eliminating commissioned salespeople to create a more relaxed shopping environment and placing all stock on the sales floor for better customer access. Though initially controversial with suppliers and employees, this concept proved successful and fueled growth[1][4]. Subsequent store concepts (III and IV) enhanced customer experience with larger spaces, interactive displays, and product demonstration areas[3][5]. Best Buy’s strategic acquisitions, such as the 2002 purchase of Geek Squad, integrated tech support services that broadened its revenue streams and strengthened customer relationships[1]. In response to e-commerce competition, Best Buy launched the "Renew Blue" transformation in 2012, led by CEO Hubert Joly, focusing on cost-cutting, enhancing omnichannel retailing, and revitalizing the customer experience[1]. From 2018 to 2024, Best Buy emphasized health technology, digital expansion, and service innovations to adapt to shifting consumer behaviors[1]. Today, Best Buy remains a dominant force in consumer electronics retail, noted for its customer-centric store formats, integrated tech services, and ability to evolve amid intense competition, including the demise of many rivals like Circuit City