The first Walmart looked very different from the stores we know today. We bet you’re not even going to recognize it!
What the First Walmart Looked Like When It Opened in 1962
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Walmart’s grand opening
At the grand opening on July 2, 1962, people lined up outside the store to snag great deals on everyday products. Sam Walton’s idea of building a discount store in a rural area was a success! By the end of the 1960s, there was a chain of 18 Walmart stores in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
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The first Walmart storefront
When Walmart launched, it didn’t even have a true Walmart logo. The printer chose the font and style of the name for the first two years the store was around. In 1964, they settled on using the “Frontier Font Logo,” and in 1981, they switched over to a more block-like font, similar to the one they use today. This was also when Walmart reached $1 billion in annual sales.
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Walmart’s motto holds true
Sam Walton once said, “If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone. … We’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.” Today, the Walmart slogan is “Saving people money so they can live better.” Many years later, the store still strives to uphold Walton’s original intention of helping people save money on the products they need while they enjoy a great shopping experience.
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FAQs
When was Walmart founded?
Walmart was founded on July 2, 1962, with the opening of the first store.
Where was the first Walmart store?
The first Walmart store was located in Rogers, Arkansas.
What was the original name of the first Walmart store?
Originally, Walmart was called Walton’s 5&10, after founder Sam Walton. The chain’s name evolved when the first syllable of Walton’s name was combined into Walmart.
How old was Sam Walton when he started Walmart?
Sam Walton was 44 years old when he opened the first Walmart in 1962. During his younger years, he had served in the military and gained some retail experience before coming up with the idea of opening his own variety store.
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Sources:
- Encyclopedia of Arkansas: “Sam Walton, an American businessman and entrepreneur”
- Walmart Corporate: “From humble beginnings. To redefining retail.”
- Walmart Corporate: “Sam Walton”
