As described by the creator of this informative animated chart, Walmart’s growth “looks like a wildfire.” Walmart opened its first store in 1962 and as of May 2014, there are 22,006 Sam’s Club and Walmart locations worldwide, in 27 countries.
Note from the creator of the graphic:
I’ve added openings up to the planned one in Virgina (in May of this year) as well as openings for Sam’s Club, the Walmart-owned warehouse club. Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico locations are in there too now.
What you might not expect though is all the Puerto Rico locations. I didn’t realize it was so popular there. They got their first one in 1971, well before the first California location in 1990. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is debatable.
Watching this is like watching a virus overtake the human body. Walmart is like a parasite.
Is this a small business success story? Yes indeed. It’s a well-known legend?that Sam Walton started his empire with one small store in Arkansas But it’s also the story — with a visual — of the downfall of small business ?in small towns in the U.S. ?Watch it here. Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page.
Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
