Historical Background of Wal-MartWalmart is an American multinational retail corporation that operates chains of discount department stores and warehouse stores in most countries around the world. The company is the second largest public company in the world; Wal-Mart remains a family business, as the company is controlled by the Walton family, which owns a 48 percent stake in Wal-Mart. It is also one of the most valuable companies in the world. Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, incorporated in 1969, and first listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972, Wal-Mart is an international retail giant best known for its low prices and large selection of items to selling everything from groceries to clothing to electronics to hunting equipment. Walmart currently has more than 11,000 stores in 27 countries under 55 different names, including Asda, Seiyu and Best Price for the UK, Japan and India, respectively. Its headquarters is located in Bentonville, Arkansas. However, despite its current status as a retail giant, it was not until the 1980s and 1990s that the company took a big step forward, growing from a regional company to a national, and then international, giant . As a company, Wal-Mart strives to maintain a clean environment. image in the eyes of the public. Its advertisements are full of bright-eyed employees or "associates" who applaud the company's low prices, wide product selection and "family" environment. Upon entering a Wal-Mart in the United States, shoppers are typically greeted by a designated greeter whose sole function is to make the customer feel at home. Wal-Mart may seem to be the best seller of manufactured goods in the United States; However, there are some things that aren't even made in the United States; they are manufactured outside the country. Also, Wa...... middle of paper ...... people can give their opinion, but it depends on the will of Wal-Mart employers or when the law speaks. Works Cited Abelson, Reed. “Every day, high health costs; the struggle of a giant is also that of American companies.” The New York Times. The New York Times, October 28, 2005. Web. March 18, 2014.Doyle, Alison. “Pay to work on Thanksgiving.” Search for jobs on About.com. Np, November 6, 2013. Web. March 15, 2014.… “Death Farmer Insurance” Freeman, R. Edward. “The Wal-Mart Effect and Business, Ethics and Society.” Academy of Management Perspectives 20.3 (2006): 38-40. Academy of Management, August 2006. Web. March 12, 2014. Sebelius, Kathleen. “2014 Poverty Guidelines.” ASPE. Np January 17, 2014. The web. March 15, 2014..… “Wal-Mart Fact Sheets” < http://makingchangeatwalmart.org/factsheet/>