Wal-Mart Update, 2011

Posted: 8 Mar 2012

See all articles by David Yoffie

David Yoffie

Harvard University - Strategy Unit

Renee Kim

Harvard University - Business School (HBS)

Date Written: June 15, 2011

Abstract

In 2011, Wal-Mart was the world's largest company, with $420 billion in sales and operations in 14 countries. Yet it found itself searching for the right growth strategy moving forward. U.S. same-store sales had declined for eight consecutive quarters, and Wal-Mart was increasingly becoming dependent on international sales. Meanwhile, intense competition came from various players, ranging from general discounters to dollar stores to online retailers. What should Wal-Mart do as its traditional markets and core competencies no longer ensure the kind of growth that it had enjoyed for decades in the past?

Learning Objective: To teach competitive strategy.

Suggested Citation

Yoffie, David and Kim, Renee, Wal-Mart Update, 2011 (June 15, 2011). Harvard Business School Strategy Unit Case No. 711-546, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2018514

David Yoffie (Contact Author)

Harvard University - Strategy Unit ( email )

Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field Road
Boston, MA 02163
United States

Renee Kim

Harvard University - Business School (HBS) ( email )

Soldiers Field Road
Morgan 270C
Boston, MA 02163
United States

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