This Day in Founder History
After years of studying discount stores, Sam Walton finally jumps in. On July 2, 1962, Walmart number one opens in Rogers, Arkansas. A Ben Franklin already operates in town, and officials from Chicago show up on opening day with an ultimatum: don’t build any more of these stores. The first Walmart does a million dollars in a year, more than his variety stores and less than he had hoped, and then he waits to see if the idea will really work.
“Once we opened Rogers, we sat there and held our breath for two years.”
Sam Walton, Made in America
On the sign, he had the painter put two lines that still guide the company: “we sell for less” on one side, and “satisfaction guaranteed” on the other.
A short clip of this moment
Hear the full story: Sam Walton, Part 3: The Birth of Walmart
How he talked: Sam Walton Voice Card
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