Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., revolutionized American retailing with its focus on low costs, high
customer service, and everyday low pricing to drive sales. Although the company had suffered
through some years of lagging performance, it experienced big gains from its move into the
grocery business with one-stop Supercenters and into international markets with acquisition .
joint ventures, and new ventures. To keep it all going and growing was a major challenge. A.
the largest retailer and firm in the world, the company and its leadership were challenged to
find new areas to continue to grow sales and profits into the future. Lee Scott knew that an ambitious expansion program was called for to allow the company to meet these objectives, both at home and abroad. The company also needed a strong program to pre-empt its social critics. instead of always being on the defensive. At the same time, Scott realized that Wal-Mart could not allow itself to emphasize social over business objectives.