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History

Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas with the simple premise of offering quality goods at lower prices. His vision and drive made Walmart the largest retailer in the world and brings value to millions of customers every day, helping them save money and live better.


In 1994, Walmart Canada launched with 122 stores. Twenty-nine years later, we’re more than 400 stores and distribution centres strong, employing more than 100,000 people in Canada. Here’s a quick overview of our history in Canada.

 
1994

Welcome to the neighbourhood! Walmart Canada opens with 122 stores across the country.

Walmart Canada opens in 1994. Walmart Canada ouvre ses portes en 1994.
1995

A study shows, in less than a year since Walmart launched in Canada, the average price of a basket of consumable goods fell 8%.

1996

Proud Moment! Walmart Canada ranked best in customer service and value for money. (Strategy Magazine).

Blue ribbon against a gray background. Ruban bleu sur fond gris.
1998

Opened in-store vision centres.

Vision Centre associate checks a patient's eyes.L'associé du Centre de vision vérifie les yeux d'un patient.
1999

Wow. 1.1 million associates around the world – Walmart is officially the world’s largest private employer.

Associates gather at the front of a Supercentre. Les associés se rassemblent devant un Supercentre.
 
2002

Ryerson study found Walmart’s presence often increases sales at neighbouring small merchants in Canada.

2004

Launched George clothing line.

A Walmart associate straightens clothing on a rack. Un associé de Walmart redresse des vêtements sur un portant.
2006

Supercentres open in Canada, providing customers with fresh groceries and general merchandise all under one roof.

Associates cheer in a new Walmart Supercentre. Les associés applaudissent dans un nouveau Walmart Supercentre.
2008

Milestone: We keep growing. Walmart opens its 300th store in Canada in Mississauga, Ontario.

Walmart Supercentre grand opening. Inauguration du Supercentre Walmart.
2009

Save Money. Live Better. Great new branding and tagline.

Save Money. Live Better. Économiser de l'argent. Vivre mieux.
 
2010

Launched Women in Retail (WIR) program.

Female Walmart store manager. Femme gérante de magasin Walmart.
2011

Take it online. Walmart.ca is launched and sets a standard for e-commerce.

Online shopping. Shopping en ligne.

Introduced two new private brands; Our Finest, a premium food brand and Hometrends, a home décor brand.

2014

Happy Anniversary - 20 years in Canada!

Celebrating 20 years in Canada. Célébrons 20 ans au Canada.
2015

Milestone: $100 million raised over 20 years for Canadian children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Launched online grocery pickup and delivery.

2016

Opened first prototype design store in Guelph, Ontario. New look and feel and better customer experience.

Exterior of a newly-designed store. Extérieur d'un magasin nouvellement conçu.
2017

Walmart joins Pride parades across Canada.

2018

Announced our commitment to zero food waste by 2025.


Launched our Associate Promise highlighting the unique characteristics of Walmart to help make this, that place: purpose, well-being, inclusion, opportunity and innovation.

This is that place. C'est cet endroit.
2019

Happy anniversary! 25 years in Canada!


Opened first Urban Supercentre Concept Store.


Grocery delivery now available in all provinces.

A happy customer accepts her grocery delivery. Une cliente satisfaite accepte sa livraison d'épicerie.
 
2020

Announced a $3.5 billion investment over the next five years to generate growth and to improve the omni shopping experience.


Set goal to become a regenerative company.

Rows of crops in a valley at sunset. Rangées de cultures dans une vallée au coucher du soleil.
2021

Partnered with Thrive Global, making associate well-being a priority.


Buzz-worthy: Introduced new pollinator health commitments.


Commitment of USD $20 million over five years to advance equity for Black and Indigenous Canadians through food security and economic opportunity.

2022

Walmart Canada says goodbye to single-use plastic bags.


Walmart Canada is the first major Canadian retailer to offer carbon-neutral last-mile delivery.


Walmart Canada opens high-tech, sustainable grocery distribution centre in Surrey, B.C.


Walmart Fulfilment Services arrives in Canada, bringing even faster service for customers shopping with Marketplace sellers on walmart.ca.


Walmart Canada raises $200M for Children’s Miracle Network to fund treatments and services delivered at children’s hospitals across Canada.

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