Abstract
Most recently, Wal-Mart has weathered well the economic storms of the past decade, taking no financial losses. Looking for additional growth opportunities, Wal-Mart planned to open convenience stores (c-stores) in a number of markets including urban and rural markets both in the US and in its international segments. Thus, as the best positioned retailer in the world, Wal-Mart's strategic plan and business model were based on a productivity loop of low prices and low operating costs, which retained its competitive advantage as the low price leader. The continued impressive gains in Wal-Mart business were attributed to Wal-Mart's use and refinement of basic skills in purchasing, customer service, and logistics, which surpassed its competition. Additionally, Wal-Mart's logistics were stronger and more efficient than those of other large companies were. Following the Wal-Mart spirit of optimism and hard work, CEO Duke shared the vision of "Building the Next Generation Wal-Mart," at the 2010 annual shareholders' meeting.