Walmart Faces Recall After Permanent Vision Loss

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

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal agency established in 1972 by the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products. Created in response to growing concerns over product safety, the CPSC consolidated responsibilities previously scattered across multiple agencies, including the FDA and FTC, into a single, proactive body with broad authority over thousands of products—from toys and electronics to appliances and household goods. The CPSC’s mission is to develop safety standards, ban hazardous products, mandate recalls, and educate consumers. Its creation marked a pivotal shift from fragmented, reactive regulation to centralized, preventative oversight. The agency can set mandatory safety standards, order recalls or repairs, and impose civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. It also conducts research into product-related injuries and collaborates with industry and international partners to improve safety. Key achievements include the implementation of uniform safety standards, the recall of millions of unsafe products, and the promotion of safer product design. The CPSC’s work has significantly reduced consumer injuries and fatalities, especially among children, and has influenced global product safety practices. Today, the CPSC remains a vital force in the regulatory landscape, adapting to new challenges such as e-commerce and emerging technologies. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, it is led by five commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The agency’s independence and broad mandate make it a cornerstone of consumer protection in the U.S., ensuring that businesses prioritize safety in an increasingly complex marketplace.

The **U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)** is an independent federal agency established in 1972 by the Consumer Product Safety Act to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with consumer products[1][2]. The commission oversees thousands of consumer product categories including toys, household appliances, and lawn equipment, excluding products regulated by other federal agencies such as vehicles, food, drugs, and firearms[2]. The CPSC’s core mission is to enhance product safety through multiple mechanisms: developing voluntary and mandatory safety standards, banning hazardous products when no standard can ensure safety, coordinating recalls, and facilitating repairs, replacements, or refunds for dangerous items[2]. It also conducts research into product-related injuries and educates consumers through various outreach channels[2]. Governed by five commissioners appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate for staggered seven-year terms, the CPSC operates independently from other federal departments, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland[1]. Since its inception, the agency has faced political and financial challenges, including efforts to curtail its authority in the early 1980s, but it has persisted as a key regulator in consumer safety[1]. Notably, the CPSC has been involved in some controversies, such as reports in 2007 about commissioners accepting industry-funded trips, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest[1]. Despite such issues, the agency remains a critical player in safeguarding American consumers by actively monitoring product hazards, enforcing recalls, and maintaining regulatory standards[3]. The CPSC’s work is essential for both public health and the business environment, influencing product design, manufacturing, and compliance practices across industries. Its ongoing vigilance helps prevent injuries and fatalities while fostering consumer confidence in the safety of everyday products[2][4].