Walmart is more than just a supermarket: it is part of the daily lives of millions of consumers in many countries. With its various brands such as Sam’s Club and Bodega Aurrera in Mexico, this chain dominates the retail market, consolidating itself as the favorite of thousands of families. For many, weekly visits to these stores are a regular routine, making it difficult to imagine a country without Walmart. But that is not the case everywhere.
Countries that said goodbye to Walmart
Despite its success in many markets, Walmart has had to withdraw from several nations for different reasons, whether due to lack of profitability or strategic changes. In 2021, the brand left Argentina and ended its presence in the South American country after several years of operations.
In 2020, the retail giant also decided to sell its Asda supermarket chain in the United Kingdom. The operation was valued at 7.43 billion euros, and the buyer was a private consortium. Although Asda continues to operate in the British market, it is no longer part of the company’s portfolio.
Another major withdrawal also occurred in 2020, when the company left Japan after 18 years of operations. The brand sold most of its stake in the local Seiyu GK chain to the investment fund KKR, marking its exit from one of the world’s most competitive markets.
In which countries is there NO Walmart?
European countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Austria, and the Netherlands are not part of Walmart’s international presence.
Similarly, in Australia, another developed country, Walmart does not operate. In Latin America, despite its success in Mexico and Central America, Walmart is not present in countries such as Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, or Uruguay.
Walmart International
It is the second most important business segment of the retail giant.
In terms of formats, it includes a wide range that encompasses supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club, and cash & carry operations.
The brand has a significant presence in 18 countries outside the United States.
This diversity is complemented by a strong presence in e-commerce through websites and mobile applications such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and PhonePe, among others. In fiscal year 2024 (as of January 31), Walmart International reported net sales of $114.6 billion, constituting 18% of the company’s consolidated net sales.
Walmart’s Global Strategy
Walmart International’s strategy focuses on being locally relevant and customer-centric in each of the markets in which it operates.
Part of its strategic approach includes reshaping its portfolio to foster sustainable and profitable long-term growth. In the last three years, the company has made significant moves such as the sale of Asda in the United Kingdom and a majority stake in Seiyu in Japan in 2021, the purchase of the non-controlling stake in Massmart in Africa in 2022, and an increase in its ownership in PhonePe in India.
As for Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica (Walmex), this subsidiary recorded revenues of 820 billion Mexican pesos in 2022, marking an 11% increase over the previous year.
Despite a slight decline in its market value in 2022, Walmex remains a dominant force in the region, demonstrating Walmart’s ability to adapt and thrive in diverse international business environments.
In which countries IS there Walmart?
The group’s stores are distributed as follows internationally:
- Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zambia) – 375 (289 retail and 86 wholesale)
- Canada – 402 retail
- Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) – 882 retail
- Chile – 392 (379 retail and 13 wholesale)
- China – 365 (322 retail and 43 wholesale)
- India – 28 wholesale
- Mexico – 2,862 (2,694 retail and 168 wholesale). In the case of Mexico, most stores correspond to Bodega Aurrerá with 2,292 locations, followed by 303 Walmart Supercenters, 167 Sam’s Club, and the rest, Walmart Express.
The rest of the stores are located in the United States.
How many Walmarts are there in the world?
There are 10,615 Walmart stores in different countries around the world.
Who owns Walmart?
It is owned by Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica, a subsidiary of Walmart Inc. The U.S. company maintains a majority stake in the Mexican subsidiary, while the rest of the shares are traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange.
Globally, Walmart Inc. is owned by the Walton family, with Walton Family Enterprises as the main shareholder. The Walton family has maintained control of the company since its founding, ensuring the continuity of the philosophy and values that have made this company a global retail giant.
READ ALSO. What does Walmart mean and why is the store called that?
Net revenue from global sales
The company’s net sales gradually increased until the last year, when the highest figure was reached at approximately $642.6 billion.
Market Value
Since joining the Dow Jones in 1997, the company has experienced a gradual increase in its market capitalization. It is the sixth company with the highest market capitalization value, amounting to $494.52 billion.
With information from Statista.
