International Strategy for Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart is a household word in the U.S., but it is quickly becoming a well-noted name in the international realm. Wal-Mart became an international company in 1991 when a Sam 's Club opened near Mexico City. In 1993, Wal-Mart International was created to oversee the growing opportunities for the company worldwide. The international area is under rapid growth and worldwide consumer acceptance. Wal-Mart has over 2,660 stores in fourteen countries and the Low Price Promise is an advertising strategy that is known in any language. Sales have topped over $62.7 billion and continue to show a marked increase in profits every year. (International Overview, page 1-3)In dealing with the international market, Wal-Mart has had to adopt several different kinds of international strategy. I will discuss the types in terms of the strategy process: analysis, formulation, strategic choice and implementation. Due to the complexities of the market, Wal-Mart uses different techniques in different parts of the world. They have been successful in capturing the globe 's attention and cash flow, but some countries have presented problems.
Wal-Mart identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats very effectively when looking towards expansion. The SWOT is used as a company tool in making important decisions when incorporating international strategy into their fiscal planning. Wal-Mart 's strengths include its reputation for rock bottom prices, super efficient logistics and its huge size. Its weaknesses include its failure to learn the complexities of some international markets, such as Germany and China and its large size presents a problem in countries like Ireland, where there is a cap on large businesses and corporate sprawl. They have many opportunities for expansion and Wal-Mart capitalizes on these opportunities by moving into almost every large segment of the globe. They actively recognize threats to their markets and leadership spends large amounts of time in learning
Wal-Mart identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats very effectively when looking towards expansion. The SWOT is used as a company tool in making important decisions when incorporating international strategy into their fiscal planning. Wal-Mart 's strengths include its reputation for rock bottom prices, super efficient logistics and its huge size. Its weaknesses include its failure to learn the complexities of some international markets, such as Germany and China and its large size presents a problem in countries like Ireland, where there is a cap on large businesses and corporate sprawl. They have many opportunities for expansion and Wal-Mart capitalizes on these opportunities by moving into almost every large segment of the globe. They actively recognize threats to their markets and leadership spends large amounts of time in learning
Cited: owell, Andy, "Welcome to Wal-World", Third World Traveler October 2003. 18 August 2007 "Wal-Mart Operations in Brazil", Global Marketing Management, 1997. 9 July 07 "International Overview", Business Week. September 26, 2006. 9 Jul 2007