Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • December 2008 (Revised October 2009)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Wal-Mart Stores in 2003 (Abridged Version)

By: Frank V. Cespedes
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:25
ShareBar

Abstract

Examines Wal-Mart's development over three decades and provides financial and descriptive detail of its domestic operations. In 2003, Wal-Mart's Supercenter business has surpassed its domestic business as the largest generator of revenues. Its international operation seems poised to become the next growth driver for the company as it marches toward the trillion dollar sales mark. But problems are starting to surface even as the company is winning recognition as the number one company in the Fortune 500--unions keep pressuring Its minimum-wage employees and allegations of gender discrimination are alleged.

Keywords

Equality and Inequality; Business Growth and Maturation; Competitive Advantage; Labor Unions; Operations; Global Strategy; Problems and Challenges; Gender; Retail Industry; United States

Citation

Cespedes, Frank V. "Wal-Mart Stores in 2003 (Abridged Version)." Harvard Business School Case 709-423, December 2008. (Revised October 2009.)
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Frank V. Cespedes

Entrepreneurial Management
→More Publications

More from the Author

    • January 2023 (Revised January 2023)
    • Faculty Research

    Belden and Digital Transformation: From Product Sales to Solutions Sales

    By: Frank V. Cespedes and Amy Klopfenstein
    • November 15, 2022
    • Harvard Business Review (website)

    Using Simulations to Upskill Employees

    By: Frank V. Cespedes, Trond Aas, Alex Hunt and Huw Newton-Hill
    • October 2022 (Revised December 2022)
    • Faculty Research

    Aphro Beverages

    By: Frank V. Cespedes and Amram Migdal
More from the Author
  • Belden and Digital Transformation: From Product Sales to Solutions Sales By: Frank V. Cespedes and Amy Klopfenstein
  • Using Simulations to Upskill Employees By: Frank V. Cespedes, Trond Aas, Alex Hunt and Huw Newton-Hill
  • Aphro Beverages By: Frank V. Cespedes and Amram Migdal
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College