Learn the story behind the Walmart Spark—what it represents from our past, and what it stands for going forward.
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The Story of the Walmart Spark
Walmart’s future will depend on how well you take care of each of your customers. A day at a time. A customer at a time. A store at a time.
In 1962, A spark of inspiration led Sam Walton to open the first Walmart, forever changing the way people shop and live. That spark lives on today in Walmart associates and customers around the world. Each part of the Walmart Spark—the Sparklets—has a story to tell about Walmart's values and principles.
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Customer
"There is only one boss: the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else."
– Sam WaltonAt Walmart, the customer is #1—ALWAYS. Exceed their expectations, give them what they want—and a little more—and always remember that satisfaction is guaranteed.
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Respect
"We're all working together; that's the secret."
– Sam WaltonRespect for the individual means valuing and recognizing the contributions of every associate, empowering others to do the same, and communicating by listening and sharing ideas.
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Integrity
"We’re here to serve our customers. We have high standards of performance and we do the right thing."
– Doug McMillon, President & CEO, WalmartSam was known for his integrity. He set the standard. Be honest. Be fair. Be objective. Comply with all laws and Walmart’s policies. That’s how you act with the highest level of integrity because it starts with you.
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Associates
"Our partnership with our associates is the reason our company has been able to consistently outperform the competition—and even our own expectations."
– Sam WaltonOur people make the difference. The associates on the front lines and in the home office are the ones who make Walmart what it is, and the ones who make sure the boss—the customer—is happy.
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Service
"The feeling our customers have when they leave our stores determines how soon they’ll be back."
– Sam WaltonWe’re here to serve customers, to support one another, and to give back to our local communities in meaningful ways. At Walmart, that’s what service is about.
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Excellence
"High expectations are the key to everything."
– Sam WaltonExcellence isn’t an endpoint, it’s a journey. It’s how we model positive examples while working together to innovate and improve every day.
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The Half Spark
"Our customers are the boss. Their expectations are going up and we’re transforming, to serve them even better tomorrow."
– Doug McMillon, President & CEO, WalmartThe Half Spark symbolizes an expressive connection to Sam Walton’s original spark of inspiration and innovation. It’s our way to engage with the legacy he left behind. For Sam, it was about service to the customers. Showing respect for the individual. Striving for excellence. Acting with integrity. Those four values empower associates to make the difference so they can make sure the customer is #1—ALWAYS.
