Editor’s note: This story was originally published on July 2, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On July 2, 1962, Sam Walton opened his first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas.
On that day, the Deseret News included stories about Winston Churchill’s ongoing recovery from a broken thigh bone and a successful trip President John F. Kennedy Jr. had made to Mexico. Sports fans were still talking about Sandy Koufax’s no-hitter, and West Coast baseball fans were hoping for an all-California World Series between the Dodgers and Angels.
But nothing was mentioned about the little retail store that would become perhaps the most visible brand in the world. According to the company’s website, the current total is 5,206 stores overall in the U.S. (which includes 600 Sam’s Club outlets), and 10,784 around the world.
By 1967, the Walton family had opened two dozen stores with $12.7 million in sales. It wasn’t until the 1970s that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., would go national.
The 1980s and ‘90s saw great growth, including the development of Sam’s Club and the Walmart Supercenters opening up. Walmart came to Utah in 1990, with the first store opening in Tooele that year.
Advertisements in the Deseret News in 1962 included full-page advertisements for Sears, Holiday House, Castletons, AG Food Stores, Grand Central, Food Town, IGA, Cannery Sales, Safeway and Albertsons.
Here are more stories from Deseret News archives:
“Wal-Mart to open 1 store soon and 3 others in 1991″
“Friend or foe? Wal-Mart alters Utah landscape”