History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (2024)

Table of Contents
Vintage Wal-Mart history: The variety store’s beginning, as told in 1975 Wal-Mart in 1975 Walmart history: Store scenes from the 1970s Discount clothing departments with 70s fashions Busy retro Wal-Mart checkout lanes Crowds lined up for a big sidewalk sale Vintage 70s Walmart housewares department, plus fabrics and sewing supplies Photo processing and frames, plus the gardening department (1977) Friendly cashiers at the front checkstands Retro Walmart Fashion Wear (for men) & Ladies Dressing Vintage annual report: A look at our stores (1973) Crowded vintage Walmart scenes from the early 1970s 36 full-line departments with hard and softline merchandise Scenes from the olden days (1978) Vintage Wal-Mart store in the 1980s Everything from bicycles to photo albums Womenswear & pajamas with 80s style Customers looking for deals on retro 80s clothes Wal-Mart products made in the USA (1980) Big Wal-Mart delivery truck in 1980 Old Wal-Mart store scenes from 1982 Kids clothing, men’s shoes and Atari video games and more vintage store departments Vintage signage from 1981: “Discount City” Old Wal-Mart Discount City store in 1982 Buyng film and photo processing at Wal-Mart in 1982 Vintage Walmart greeters Old Wal-Mart stores & pharmacy in the 80s (1984) Inside old stores, including music departments, toys & cashiers Vintage jewelry, pharmacy & shoe sections Old-school Walmart marketing scenes (1981) Walmart and Sam’s Club exteriors in 1985 Vintage Wal-Mart history: Employee uniforms in the 80s Vintage shopping at Wal-Mart in 1987 Bargain-hunters checking out the fuzzy tops for $12.97 Chic 80s girls trying on hats in the juniors department A Wal-Mart Supercenter store Girl & grandmother checking out (1987) New sign being installed in 1988 Warehouse shipping/receiving: Boxes on conveyors (1989) Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton filming a TV commercial Retro family loading groceries into the car Scenes from old Wal-Mart promos in the 1990s Shoppers in the toy aisle, getting help from an associate Wal-Mart Magic Wand tech in 1997 Vintage shoppers at Wal-Mart in the 1990s Walmart receipt, associate name tags & more A Walmart greeter: “Welcome” (1995) WalMart in 1995: Front checkout, associates & shareholders Products you could buy at Wal-Mart in the late 1990s Cheerleaders at Wal-Mart in 1999

The story behind the retail giant

Walmart

is as vast and diverse as its countless modern-day aisles. From its humble beginnings in a small Arkansas town,

Walmart

‘s journey to becoming a household name is filled with strategic innovations and pivotal moments that reshaped the retail landscape.

As we stroll down memory lane, take a look back at some of the moments and milestones that cemented Walmart‘s place in American history.

Wal-Mart’s origins trace back to 1945 when its founder, Sam M. Walton, launched his first Ben Franklin variety store in Newport, Arkansas. A year later, he was joined by his brother, J.L. “Bud” Walton, who later became Senior Vice President.

In 1947, Bud Walton established a Ben Franklin store in Versailles, Missouri. Together, the Walton brothers expanded their venture to include fifteen Ben Franklin stores, laying the groundwork for what would become the larger discount department stores.

The first Wal-Mart Discount City store was inaugurated in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962. By October 1970, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. had transitioned into a publicly-held company, and on August 25, 1972, Wal-Mart’s stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (1)

Walton’s vision was clear from the start: offer lower prices and great service, and customers will keep coming back. This simple yet revolutionary idea transformed the way people shopped and set the stage for Walmart‘s exponential growth. By focusing on affordability and customer satisfaction, Walmart quickly expanded beyond Arkansas, bringing its unique shopping experience to communities across the nation.

As the decades rolled on, Walmart‘s influence only grew stronger. The 70s and 80s marked a period of rapid expansion and innovation. Walmart introduced the first modern-day “supercenter” in 1988, combining a supermarket with general merchandise to provide a one-stop shopping experience that was unheard of at the time. This concept not only changed the face of retail, but also solidified Walmart‘s reputation as an industry leader.

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (2)

The 90s saw Walmart reaching new heights, becoming the largest retailer in the United States. With the advent of global sourcing and advanced supply chain management, Walmart was able to offer an even wider range of products at lower prices, further enhancing its appeal to American families.

The company’s dedication to community involvement and sustainability initiatives also began to take shape during this era, highlighting Walmart‘s commitment to not just profit, but also people and the planet.

For those who wish to reminisce or are curious about the early days of this retail behemoth, we’ve gathered a collection of vintage photos and advertisem*nts. These snapshots offer a nostalgic glimpse into what Walmart stores were like in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, showcasing the evolution of a company that has become a fixture in American life.

That’s how the story of Walmart began… and below, you can see where it went!

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (3)

Vintage Wal-Mart history: The variety store’s beginning, as told in 1975

Not unlike other retail discount chains, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. had its beginning in the small-town variety store business.

The Company’s founder and present Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, Sam M. Walton, wrote the first chapter in Wal-Mart’s success story when he opened his first Ben Franklin variety store in Newport, Arkansas in 1945.

One year later, joined by his brother, J. L. “Bud” Walton, now Senior Vice President, the two brothers began to expand their variety store operations.

Between 1945 and 1962, they assembled a group of fifteen successful Ben Franklin stores, which served as the base for what was to become Wal-Mart Stores, Inc,

Wal-Mart’s first Discount City store opened in Rogers, Arkansas (then a town of approximately 4700), in November 1962. Now. just thirteen years later, the Company is recognized as a leader in the regional retail discount industry.

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (4)

Wal-Mart in 1975

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. currently operates a regional chain of 100 Wal-Mart Discount City stores, two Family-Center stores, and two Sav-Co Home Improvement Centers. Thirty-seven stores are located in Arkansas; thirty-six in Missouri; fifteen in Oklahoma; six each in Kansas and Tennessee; two in Louisiana: and one each in Mississippi and Kentucky.

During the fiscal year ended January 31, 1975, the Company had a record-breaking twenty-six new stores to celebrate Grand Openings — twenty-four Wal-Mart Discount City stores and two Sav-Co Home Improvement Centers.

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (5)

Arkansas led the number of new stores opened with seven Wal-Mart Discount Cities and two Sav-Co Home Improvement Centers. Of the remaining stores opened during the year, seven are located in Missouri, five in Tennessee, two in Oklahoma, and one each in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Kentucky.

All of the new stores are located in smaller communities, with two of the stores marking the entry of Wal-Mart Discount Cities into the States of Mississippi and Kentucky.

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Wal-Mart’s marketing philosophy

Wal-Mart, unlike many other discount chains, has devoted itself almost exclusively to serving small business communities and rural areas.

The Company has generally avoided major metropolitan areas and concentrated on the smaller community, preferably county seat towns located within a 350-mile radius of the General Office and Distribution Centers in Bentonville, Arkansas. The average population of the communities served by Wal-Mart is between 10,000 and 15,000.

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (6)

Generally, Wal-Mart’s discount department stores range in size from 30,000 to 60,000 square feet of building area, with the average store size being approximately 42,000 square feet.

With few exceptions, Wal-Mart Discount Cities are the largest non-food retailers in their respective communities. The Company’s concept is to be the dominant one-stop department store providing a vast assortment of quality goods.

Each specific store size has a merchandise mix based on space available. Although several stores maintain merchandise lines to meet local preference, the Company generally maintains a standard and broad line merchandise mix.

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Walmart history: Store scenes from the 1970s

Wal-Mart / Discount City / We sell for less — Guaranteed quality at discount prices

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (7)

Discount clothing departments with 70s fashions

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (8)

Busy retro Wal-Mart checkout lanes

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (9)

Crowds lined up for a big sidewalk sale

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (10)

Vintage 70s Walmart housewares department, plus fabrics and sewing supplies

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (11)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (12)

ALSO SEECheck out 100 vintage 1970s supermarkets and retro grocery stores

Photo processing and frames, plus the gardening department (1977)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (13)

NOW SEE THIS:

Friendly cashiers at the front checkstands

Notice all the candy, gum, camera film and other last-minute and impulse buys

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (14)

Retro Walmart Fashion Wear (for men) & Ladies Dressing

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (15)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (16)

Vintage annual report: A look at our stores (1973)

Wal-Mart brings to small communities and rural areas discount department store shopping facilities and merchandise selections equal to those in the big cities.

Wal-Mart Discount City stores feature thirty-six complete departments offering the Wal-Mart shopper the finest quality merchandise at everyday low discount prices.

The over 3,500 well-trained members of the Wal-Mart family work together to assure every customer that “Guaranteed Satisfaction” is more than a slogan…

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (17)

Crowded vintage Walmart scenes from the early 1970s

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (18)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (19)

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36 full-line departments with hard and softline merchandise

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (20)

Scenes from the olden days (1978)

The Fabric and Crafts Center features the latest in fashion piece goods and a broad assortment of craft supplies and notions. Well-trained associates are always available to assist customers in their selections.

Friendly, efficient service at the check-out counter is just one way Wal-Mart associates let our customers know we care.

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (21)

Vintage Wal-Mart store in the 1980s

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (22)

Everything from bicycles to photo albums

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (23)

Womenswear & pajamas with 80s style

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (24)

Customers looking for deals on retro 80s clothes

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (25)

ALSO SEEVintage Target stores: See 40 pictures from the 60s to the 90s & the original logo

Wal-Mart products made in the USA (1980)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (26)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (27)

Big Wal-Mart delivery truck in 1980

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (28)

Old Wal-Mart store scenes from 1982

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (29)

Kids clothing, men’s shoes and Atari video games and more vintage store departments

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (30)

ALSO SEEVintage shoe stores: See what shoe shopping really used to be like

Vintage signage from 1981: “Discount City”

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (31)

Old Wal-Mart Discount City store in 1982

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (32)

Buyng film and photo processing at Wal-Mart in 1982

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (33)

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Vintage Walmart greeters

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (34)

MORE: 50 old mall stores you probably haven’t seen for years (at least not looking like this)

Old Wal-Mart stores & pharmacy in the 80s (1984)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (35)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (36)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (37)

Inside old stores, including music departments, toys & cashiers

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (38)

Vintage jewelry, pharmacy & shoe sections

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (39)

Old-school Walmart marketing scenes (1981)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (40)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (41)

DON’T MISS: 80s grocery stores: See vintage supermarkets, plus find out how retro tech paved the way for modern retail

Walmart and Sam’s Club exteriors in 1985

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (42)

Vintage Wal-Mart history: Employee uniforms in the 80s

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (43)

Vintage shopping at Wal-Mart in 1987

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (44)

Bargain-hunters checking out the fuzzy tops for $12.97

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (45)

Chic 80s girls trying on hats in the juniors department

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (46)

A Wal-Mart Supercenter store

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (47)

DON’T MISS: These 48 vintage indoor malls were so dazzling, you’ll want to hop in a time machine and shop ’til you drop

Girl & grandmother checking out (1987)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (48)

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New sign being installed in 1988

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (49)

Warehouse shipping/receiving: Boxes on conveyors (1989)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (50)

Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton filming a TV commercial

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (51)

Retro family loading groceries into the car

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (52)

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Scenes from old Wal-Mart promos in the 1990s

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (53)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (54)

Shoppers in the toy aisle, getting help from an associate

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (55)

Wal-Mart Magic Wand tech in 1997

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (56)

Vintage shoppers at Wal-Mart in the 1990s

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (57)

Walmart receipt, associate name tags & more

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (58)

A Walmart greeter: “Welcome” (1995)

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (59)

ALSO SEE:

WalMart in 1995: Front checkout, associates & shareholders

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (60)

Products you could buy at Wal-Mart in the late 1990s

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (61)

Cheerleaders at Wal-Mart in 1999

History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (62)

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History of Walmart: See what old Wal-Mart stores were like in the 70s, 80s & 90s - Click Americana (2024)
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