Walmart
2 comparisons available
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. is the world's largest company by revenue and the world's largest private employer, founded by Sam Walton in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas. With over $680 billion in annual revenue (FY2024), Walmart operates more than 10,600 stores across 20 countries, serving approximately 240 million customers weekly. In the United States, Walmart's 4,600+ stores reach 90% of Americans within 10 miles, making it the dominant grocery retailer with roughly 25% of the US grocery market. Walmart's business model is built on everyday low prices (EDLP) through supply chain efficiency — its distribution network is the largest private fleet in the US. Walmart.com has grown into the second-largest US eCommerce retailer (after Amazon), with $82 billion in global eCommerce sales in FY2024. Walmart+ (the membership program at $12.95/month or $98/year) competes directly with Amazon Prime, offering free delivery, fuel discounts, Paramount+ streaming, and early access to deals. Walmart owns Sam's Club (warehouse clubs), Asda (UK), Flipkart (India's largest eCommerce), and PhonePe (India's largest payments platform). In healthcare, Walmart operates 4,600 pharmacies and has piloted Walmart Health clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walmart vs Amazon: which is cheaper?
It depends on the category. Walmart is consistently cheaper for groceries, household consumables, and everyday staples — its physical store prices are often 10-20% lower than Amazon on comparable items. Amazon wins on electronics, specialty products, selection depth, and anything not stocked in Walmart stores. For the best prices: use Walmart for grocery and household basics, Amazon for electronics, books, and hard-to-find items.
Is Walmart+ worth it?
Walmart+ at $98/year ($12.95/month) makes sense if you: shop at Walmart for groceries regularly (free delivery on orders $35+ from store), drive frequently (Walmart and Murphy fuel discounts of $0.10/gallon), and would otherwise pay for delivery fees. The included Paramount+ with SHOWTIME ($11.99/month value) alone is worth $144/year, making Walmart+ mathematically favorable for existing Paramount+ subscribers. It's a weaker value proposition than Amazon Prime for non-grocery shoppers.
Does Walmart have online shopping?
Yes — Walmart.com is the second-largest US eCommerce retailer after Amazon. Walmart offers free two-day shipping on orders $35+ (no membership required), free next-day/same-day delivery with Walmart+, grocery pickup (free, often ready in 2 hours), and marketplace sellers alongside Walmart's own inventory. Walmart has invested heavily in eCommerce, closing the gap with Amazon in grocery delivery and click-and-collect.
Top Alternatives to Walmart
Amazon
Larger online selection, Prime ecosystem, faster shipping for non-grocery
Target
Better store experience, curated brands, stronger fashion/home sections
Costco
Bulk savings, membership model, superior product quality
Kroger
Grocery-focused rival with loyalty program and fuel rewards
Dollar General
Serves rural markets, smaller format, everyday low prices
Sam's Club
Walmart's own warehouse club, competes with Costco