Walmart 2001 Annual Report Download - page 10

Wal-Mart is truly a global company.
The Company has proven that
its culture transcends borders
and translates into many different
languages. “All Customers
appreciate good service, low pricing
and great selection and that’s
the foundation upon which every
Wal-Mart store is built,” John B.
Menzer, President & CEO of
Wal-Mart International, explained.
In fiscal 2001, which ended
January 31, close to 17 percent of
Wal-Mart’s sales
came from its
International
Division.
International
sales during
fiscal 2001 were
$32 billion, an
increase of more
than 41 percent
over the
previous year. As
international
operations continue to become a
larger portion of Wal-Mart’s total
growth, the Company is focused on
aggressive, yet strategic expansion
efforts abroad.
As of January 31, 2001, there were
1,071 stores – approximately one-
fourth of the Company’s total –
outside the United States. Over
25 percent of Wal-Mart’s new
stores in the current year will be
in the nine countries that comprise
the International Division. This
expansion will be achieved through
a combination of new buildings,
expansions and relocations.
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA
Wal-Mart expanded into Mendoza
with the opening of a new
Supercenter, bringing the total
number of discount retail stores
in the country to 11. The Company
has become an active corporate
citizen in Argentina and has
established programs to address
the needs of the communities in
which it does business. Wal-Mart
donated more than $200,000 to
communities in Argentina during
the year and continues to give
through merchandise donations,
sponsorships, marathons and other
types of fund-raising events.
BRAZIL
BRAZIL
Wal-Mart currently has 20 units
throughout Brazil. The Company
entered the Rio de Janeiro market
during the year, opening two SAM’S
CLUBS and one Supercenter. It also
opened two additional Supercenters
and one SAM’S CLUB in the
country and began construction of
a distribution center, which opened
in April 2001. Additionally, several
SAM’S CLUBS were remodeled to
offer Customers an expanded fresh
food selection.
PUER
PUERTO RICO TO RICO
In fiscal 2001, Wal-Mart opened
its first distribution center in
Puerto Rico. Remodeling two of the
Company’s highest volume SAM’S
CLUBS also highlighted the year.
Of the six clubs on the island,
the 106,000-square-foot SAM’S
CLUB at Bayamon has consistently
ranked as the top-producing club
internationally since it opened in
1993. Another club at Carolina,
Puerto Rico, is ranked second
internationally in sales.
MEXICO
MEXICO
Mexico is home to
Wal-Mart’s oldest
and most extensive
international
operations, with
499 units at the
end of the year,
featuring six
different retail
formats and the
country’s largest
sit-down restaurant
chain. The Company changed the
name from Cifra to Wal-Mart de
Mexico and began trading its stock
as WALMEX on the Bolsa,
Mexico’s stock market. Wal-Mart
de Mexico is the country’s largest
retailer and commands the second
largest market capitalization on
the Bolsa.
Wal-Mart de Mexico opened
39 new stores in fiscal 2001 and
plans to open several new stores
in the current year. Wal-Mart de
Mexico implemented its Every Day
Low Price program in all of its
retail formats, including its
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