Walmart fact sheets.
After posting the last story concerning walmart I decided to post their facts sheets as well.
The following contents are the copyrighted property of Walmart and all rights are reserved.
At A Glance
Fact: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the worlds largest retailer, with $285.2 billion in sales in the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2005. The company employs 1.6 million associates worldwide through more than 3,700 facilities in the United States and more than 2,400 units in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. More than 138 million customers per week visit Wal-Mart stores worldwide.
Retail Divisions -- Guided by founder Sam Waltons passion for customer satisfaction and Every Day Low Prices, Wal-Marts four retail divisions -- Wal-Mart Supercenters, Discount Stores, Neighborhood Markets and SAMS CLUB warehouses -- offer a wide variety of quality merchandise to consumers around the world.
Wal-Mart Milestones -- 1962: first Wal-Mart in Rogers, Ark., opens. 1969: company incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 1970: first distribution center and home office in Bentonville, Ark. open; Wal-Mart goes public on the New York Stock Exchange. 1979: annual sales top $1 billion. 1983: SAMS CLUB warehouse concept introduced. 1988: first Supercenter opens. 1991: first international unit opens in Mexico City.
By the turn of the century Wal-Mart had been named Retailer of the Century by Discount Store News; made FORTUNE magazines list of the 100 Best Companies To Work For; and was ranked on Financial Times Most Respected in the World list. In 2002, Wal-Mart became No. 1 on the FORTUNE 500 list. In 2003 and 2004, Wal-Mart was named "Most Admired Company in America" by FORTUNE magazine. In addition, Wal-Mart was presented with the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership, a presidential award that recognizes companies for outstanding achievement in employee relations and community initiatives.
Wal-Mart Involvement -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. empowers its associates to serve the needs of their communities through its Good Works initiative. In 2005, Wal-Mart will donate more than $200 million to help charities and organizations throughout the U.S.
More information about Wal-Mart, Inc. can be located online at www.walmartstores.com, www.samsclub.com and www.walmartfoundation.org. Wal-Mart stock trades on the New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges under the ticker symbol WMT.
Were all working together; thats the secret. And well lower the cost of living for everyone, not just in America, but well give the world an opportunity to see what its like to save and have a better lifestyle, a better life for all. Were proud of what weve accomplished; weve just begun. Sam Walton (1918-1992).
Benefits
Fact: Wal-Mart offers affordable health care coverage to both its full and part-time associates. We work hard to offer good, affordable coverage to our people. Historically, Wal-Mart has paid about two-thirds of the cost of the Associates' Medical Plan. As of today, 620,000 associates have signed up for health insurance coverage in a Wal-Mart sponsored plan. In January, Wal-Mart will provide insurance to more than 1 million people and offer up to 18 different plans. Coverage will be available for as little as $11 per month for individuals and 30 cents per day for children - no matter how many children an associate has.
Unlike many plans, after the first year, the Wal-Mart medical plan has no lifetime maximum for most expenses, protecting our associates against catastrophic loss and financial ruin. We have different deductibles to meet individual needs.
Associates also have access to world class healthcare at the Mayo Clinic, Stanford University Hospital, Johns Hopkins University Hospital and many other leading health care facilities without insurance approval.
In recent years, Wal-Mart has contributed 4 percent of an associate's eligible pay to the combined Profit Sharing & 401(k) plan. Our hourly associates, just like our management and executive associates, receive bonuses and other incentives for helping the company achieve its goals. In FYE 2005, we spent $4.2 billion on benefits for our associates.
Community Impact
Fact: Wal-Mart supports communities financially and provides hundreds of jobs. Our property taxes, sales tax revenue and community giving help fund basic services like police and fire departments and schools, and support for invaluable charities. The typical Supercenter raises or gives $30,000 to $50,000 a year to local charitable needs ranging from youth programs to literacy councils. In fact, Wal-Mart is the largest corporate cash contributor in America. In 2005, Wal-Mart will donate more than $200 million to help charities and organizations throughout the U.S. More than 90 percent of cash donations from Wal-Mart Stores and the Wal-Mart & SAM'S CLUB Foundation target local communities. Thats $18,000 an hour or $5 a second. In 2004, Wal-Mart collected more than $11.2 billion in state and local sales taxes and paid millions in property taxes.
A UBS Warburg study found that Wal-Mart grocery prices are 17 to 20 percent lower than other supermarkets, which has the greatest benefit for a communitys low-income families. A recent independent economic study by Global Insight, Inc. demonstrated the net positive impact Wal-Mart has on communities. The study showed Wal-Mart saved working families over $2,300 per household, per year.
Studies show that new businesses spring up near Wal-Marts and existing stores flourish as they take advantage of the increased customer flow to and from our stores. Drive by any Wal-Mart store and count the number of businesses operating nearby, many are independent local businesses or locally owned franchises. The most definitive look at this issue, by Dr. Emek Basker at the University of Missouri, showed average increases of 50 retail jobs in communities five years after the entry of Wal-Mart.
Contractor Standards
Fact: We require our contractors and subcontractors to follow all laws. We require companies that do business with our company to comply with all laws and regulations. These requirements are memorialized in contracts we sign with our contractors. To reinforce our expectations, we are also developing monitoring systems to ensure contractors that do business with our company comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
At Wal-Mart we believe in "doing the right thing." We expect contractors that provide services to our company to also do the right thing for their employees and communities.
Diversity Fact Sheet
Fact: Wal-Marts commitment to diversity starts with our board of directors and extends throughout the organization. Our 14-member board of directors includes two females, two African Americans and two Hispanics. Wal-Mart is a leading employer of Hispanics in the U.S. with more 139,000 Hispanic associates; a leading employer of African Americans with more than 208,000 African Americans; an employer of more than 775,000 females; and an employer of more than 220,000 seniors who are 55 and older.
We know that attracting diverse customers, associates, and suppliers is critical to our success.
In establishing the Office of Diversity in 2003, we appointed a chief diversity officer. Her team serves as the companys focal point for diversity initiatives that place Wal-Mart among corporate leaders in this regard. Wal-Mart actively recruits talent from colleges and universities with significant populations of diverse students, including many womens colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and colleges with a high Hispanic representation. Additionally, Wal-Mart recruited at more than 59 diversity career fairs in 2004.
We have put specific programs in place to make sure we have a talent pool of women and minorities who are well prepared for management jobs. In 2003, Wal-Mart expanded its offering of leadership seminars designed specifically for women; in 2004, we added leadership seminars designed specifically for people of color. All of the seminars are designed to enhance the leadership skills of these members of management in an effort to advance their careers. Initial measurements of participant retention have been positive.
Wal-Mart has been heralded for its legal diversity program, which has led to a larger, more effective and more diverse legal department and encourages diversity among its outside counsel.
We provide diversity training to all levels of management and hourly associates.
Officer compensation is now linked to diversity goals. If company officers do not meet their individual diversity goals, bonuses are reduced up to 15 percent.
Wal-Marts senior leaders are actively engaged in our diversity initiatives, and, in some cases, serve as external board members for diversity-related organizations. Among the organizations receiving support are the National Council of LaRaza, the Business Womens Network/Diversity Best Practices, the Congressional Black Caucus, the International Womens Forum, the National Urban League, NAACP, National Association of Female Executives, the Organization of Chinese Americans, Gathering of Nations, National Council on Aging, the National Organization on Disability, the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Black Retail Action Group.
Our multicultural merchandise mix reflects our respect for our diverse customer base and we are committed to communicating effectively through our advertising and shopping environment.
In 2005, Wal-Mart was named on the DiversityInc Top 50 Companies For Diversity list.
Employment Overview
Fact: 1.3 million Associates work at Wal-Mart in the U.S. The majority of Wal-Mart's hourly store associates in the U.S. work full-time. That's well above the 20 - 40 percent typically found in the retail industry. We are a leading employer of Hispanic Americans, with more than 139,000 Hispanic associates. Wal-Mart is one of the leading employers of African Americans, with more than 208,000 African-American associates. More than 220,000 of our associates are 55 or older. We employ more than 775,000 women.
Former Properties
Fact: Wal-Mart recycles unused stores to benefit our communities. We have a full-time team of real estate professionals, backed by an entire department dedicated solely to making sure available Wal-Mart properties are sold or leased to benefit our communities. Our stores have been converted to other retailers including Hobby Lobby, Big Lots and Burlington Coat Factory. Theyve also been turned into schools, churches, call centers and automobile dealerships. Last year, we sold, leased or sub-leased more than 15 million square feet of space for our communities. Its our responsibility to recycle our unused stores and we take it very seriously.
Wal-Mart donated the use of more than 25 vacant facilities in hurricane-impacted states for relief efforts. Uses included evacuee shelters, supply depots, food pantry, a tent city for utility crews and even a dialysis clinic. The company paid the utility costs on these facilities while in use.
Health Care Coverage
Fact: Our health care plan insures full-time and part-time associates once eligible. As of today, 620,000 associates have signed up for health insurance coverage in a Wal-Mart sponsored plan. In January, Wal-Mart will provide insurance to more than 1 million people and offer up to 18 different plans. Coverage will be available for as little as $11 per month for individuals and 30 cents per day for children - no matter how many children an associate has.
Unlike many plans, after the first year, the Wal-Mart medical plan has no lifetime maximum for most expenses, protecting our associates against catastrophic loss and financial ruin.
Associates enrolled in the Associates Medical Plan also have access to world class health care at the Mayo Clinic, Stanford University Hospital, Johns Hopkins University Hospital and many other health care facilities, all without insurance approval.
International Operations
Fact: Wal-Mart serves people around the world. Today, millions of people worldwide enjoy the rewards of shopping with Wal-Mart. From our first international store in Mexico in 1991 we have grown to more than 2,400 stores in 15 markets outside the United States. Wal-Mart International currently includes many different store formats, membership clubs and restaurants employing more than 400,000 associates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Wal-Mart's overseas stores provide American businesses the opportunity to sell their goods in these markets.
Weve experienced international success through our ability to adapt Wal-Marts unique concepts to each new country. Our Associates are involved in local communities and cultures. They respond to customer needs, merchandise preferences and local suppliers. By serving each local market in its own unique way, Wal-Mart International has realized significant growth with potential for much greater development worldwide.
Our global expansion was achieved through a combination of new store construction and acquisitions. This strategy has given us excellent market penetration and opportunities for future development. We view Wal-Marts operations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe as a solid foundation with many promising areas for further growth.
International sales reached $56.3 billion in fiscal year ending 2005, an 18.3 percent increase over the previous year, and operating profits rose to nearly $3.0 billion, $2.3 billion, an increase of 26.1 percent. In 2005, Wal-Mart International plans to open 155 to 165 new stores in existing markets.
Military Support
Fact: In 2004, more than 38,000 Wal-Mart associates told us they have served in the military. Currently, approximately 4,000 associates are on military leave. Wal-Mart is a loyal supporter of men and women in the armed forces. Specifically, we support our Associates who perform military service. For example, we proudly offer continuation of many benefits, including health benefits, for the duration of an Associates military leave. We also offer supplemental pay, for the duration of military leave, to Associates called to active duty in an area that is subject to hostile fire or imminent danger, as defined by Presidential Executive Order.
Last year, Wal-Mart partnered with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation (VFW) to provide more than 900,000 Communications Kits that included free phone cards, writing paper, envelopes, and more so that servicemen and women could stay in touch with loved ones. The Company also made it possible for customers nationwide to send messages through in-store kiosks to support our military men and women. We have provided millions of dollars in financial aid to military family-support organizations and worked with manufacturers to supply clothing for the wounded and special-need items for the troops.
Wal-Mart donated $6 million to help build the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. while associates and customers raised an additional $8.5 million. In 2003, Wal-Mart was honored with the prestigious "Corporate Patriotism Award" sponsored by the Employer Support for Guard & Reserve (ESGR) and in 2004 honored with the Secretary of Defense Employer Supports Freedom Award, also sponsored by ESGR.
Promoting From Within
Fact: Seventy-six percent of our store management started in hourly positions. We believe in promoting from within and we walk the talk. We provide career opportunities for people who may never have dreamed of one day supervising a multi-million dollar department or a $100 million Supercenter.
Many associates will advance to careers in retail, but also to careers which support our core business: real estate, public policy, merchandising, logistics, information technology, marketing, advertising and more. We project we will create more than 100,000 new jobs this year in the United States.
Public Assistance Health Care Coverage
Fact: Wal-Mart does not encourage our associates to apply for public assistance. We will be the first to acknowledge that health care is a tough issue... for us and for the country. Wal-Mart has helped 160,000 Americans leave the ranks of the uninsured. A survey of Wal-Mart associates showed more than 30% did not have health insurance before coming to work at Wal-Mart.
We work hard to keep our associate premiums affordable and think we are doing a pretty good job. In January, Wal-Mart will provide insurance to more than 1 million people and offer up to 18 different plans. Coverage is available for individuals for as little as $11 per month and 30 cents per day for children - no matter how many children an associate has.
Sourcing
Fact: Wal-Mart buys merchandise and services from more than 61,000 U.S suppliers and supports over 3 million supplier jobs in the United States. Last year, Wal-Mart purchased over $150 billion in goods from its 61,000 U.S. suppliers ranging from products on our shelves to the concrete it takes to build our buildings. We buy billions of dollars worth of goods in the United States, from large suppliers and from mom and pops, including small farmers, and minority and women-owned businesses. Many Wal-Mart Stores participate in our Store of the Community, which showcases local products from local producers. We buy apples in Washington, pumpkins in Illinois, bacon in Minnesota, barbecue in Missouri, and many other products from every corner of the country.
As Wal-Marts U.S. customer base continues to grow in diversity and as we expand our retail stores internationally, we must offer a mix of products to these customers around the world. We source from the global market to offer our customers who live paycheck to paycheck the greatest value for their money on many essential products. To do this, we buy, in addition to the U.S., from many regions, such as Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Also, we try to offer our customers what they are used to buying. For example, we offer some Mexico food brands in our stores that are in high Hispanic population areas. However, our import trade with the U.S. is two-way. We have set up a Wal-Mart USA export office that helps small and medium sized businesses export their American-made products. For instance, we now export Washington apples to our Wal-Mart Mexico stores; Illinois peanuts to our stores in Japan and Korea; and fruit juices from California and New York to Wal-Mart Argentina.
As an expression of respect for those who produce the merchandise we sell, we are committed to utilizing our Factory Certification Program to make a difference in the quality of life for workers, their families and communities.
Wages
Fact: The majority of Wal-Marts hourly store associates in the United States work full-time. That is well above the 20 - 40 percent typically found in the retail industry. Our average hourly wage for regular full-time associates in the U.S. is $9.68 an hour, almost double the federal minimum wage. Wal-Marts average full-time wage in urban areas is slightly higher than the national average. For example: Chicago, $10.69; Austin, TX, $10.69; Washington D.C./Baltimore, $10.08; Atlanta, $10.80; and in Los Angeles, $9.99.
posted by US Military News at 12/17/2005
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