WAL-MART CASE STUDY WAL-MART CASE ANALYSIS Impressions Wal-Mart is a leader in its industry in numerous areas. The areas that impress are the results achieved by the company. “About 140 million people in 11 countries shop at Wal-Mart… every week. More than half of American shoppers have visited Wal-Mart at least once a month… it is estimated that 82% of American households have made at least one purchase at Wal-Mart” (Bianco, Zellner, 2003). Less impressive is the company involved in over 6,000 active lawsuits and what appears to be a track record of forcing small businesses into areas where it is located, putting many people out of work. SuccessWal-Mart's success can be contributed to leadership, strategy and execution. They have implemented a winning “can do” attitude by putting the customer first in everything and streamlining all areas of the company, from executives down to associates. This was superb implementation and execution by leaders who took the time to think about everything the company needs to consider from top to bottom. The company continues to evaluate how to be cost-effective in getting products into stores, tracking inventory and earning customer loyalty. Evaluating ideas for increasing sales and how to better manage the stores played a key role in their success. Strategy This researcher would characterize Wal-Marts strategy as market penetration and market development. Market penetration is a strategy focused “primarily on increasing sales of current products to current customers” (Donnelly, Peter, 2007). Market development pursues the growth of the company by trying to “find new customers for its current products” (Donnelly, Peter, 2007). C...... middle of paper...... Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart, said it best: "Wal-Mart can take a leadership role, look to the future and make a positive difference for our business and for the world" (quoted in PR Newswire, 2008 ¶ 2). Wal-Mart will continue to be a leader in every market it conquers by continually doing these things. ReferencesBianco, Anthony, & Zellner, Wendy (2003, October, 6). Is Wal-Mart too powerful? Business Week, p. 102. Donnelly, J and Peter, J. Paul (2007). in New York (January 2008). Wal-Mart stands out amidst the retail misery. FT.com, 1. Retrieved January 28, 2008 from the ABI/INFORM Global database. Wal-Mart expands leadership on energy efficiency, ethical sourcing and health. Dear (January 23). PR Newswire, Retrieved January 28, 2008 from the ABI/INFORM Dateline database.