RETAIL INDUSTRY
U.S. retail sales, excluding motor vehicles and parts dealers, reached US$2.8 trillion in 2005. Major
categories in the U.S. retail industry included the following:3
1 This case has been written on the basis of published sources only. Consequently, the interpretation and perspectives
presented in this case are not necessarily those of Wal-Mart or any of its employees. 2 Discount Store News, “Low distribution costs buttress chain’s profits”, 18 December 1989.
3 www.census.gov, accessed 23 August 2006.