Walmart: Thirty Years Committed to Serving Our Customers and Members in China
In 2026, Walmart marks 30 years in the Chinese market. The retail giant, which has topped the Fortune Global 500 for 12 consecutive years, has delivered enviable results in China. Net sales reached US$24.7 billion in fiscal 2026, up approximately 21.7% year on year. In the first quarter of 2026, net sales reached US$8 billion, an increase of 22.3%, with both Walmart stores and Sam’s Club recording double-digit growth.
Walmart entered China in 1996 and is committed to “becoming China’s most trusted omnichannel retailer”. By developing high-quality, differentiated products, improving end-to-end efficiency and providing a convenient omnichannel shopping experience, the company aims to deliver value to customers and members. Today, Walmart operates hundreds of stores in more than 100 cities across China, supported by over 20 distribution centres.
On 12 August, Walmart China held an event in Shenzhen to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Looking ahead, the company will continue to increase its investment in China, deepen its business presence and strengthen its organisational capabilities, working alongside more Chinese families and communities to build a better future.
?Gratitude for Every Bit of Trust and Companionship
Christina Zhu, President and CEO of Walmart China, said that over the past 30 years, Walmart has been grateful for the trust and support of every customer and member, as well as government, industry partners and associates. This has given Walmart China the privilege of witnessing and participating in China’s remarkable economic growth and the modernisation of its retail sector, while becoming deeply embedded in the everyday lives of millions of Chinese families. A retailer represents more than stores and products; it also embodies the trust built with countless Chinese families over many years.
Looking ahead to the next 30 years, Walmart China will continue to deepen its commitment to the local market and uphold its mission of “saving people money so they can live better”. It will continue to optimise its business footprint and support the development of local supply chains, creating better everyday experiences for customers and members through high-quality products and services. With a people-centred approach, it will provide employees with opportunities for continued growth, while creating long-term value for communities through a commitment to shared growth and prosperity.
Deepening Walmart’s Commitment to China
On 11 August, Walmart China signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Shenzhen. The two sides will cooperate in areas including the expansion and development of the headquarters economy, the development of a citywide, multi-format retail network, the digital transformation of stores and joint initiatives to stimulate consumer spending.
At its 30th anniversary event, Walmart China held a signing ceremony covering partnerships in five major cities, demonstrating its long-term commitment to a deeper and broader presence in the Chinese market. The agreements included a letter of intent covering Walmart and Sam’s Club formats in Yantai, Shandong; Walmart store cooperation agreements in Changping, Beijing, and Shenyang, Liaoning; and Sam’s Club agreements in Wuhan, Hubei, and Nantong, Jiangsu. The partnerships address the needs of different regional markets while further expanding Walmart China’s dual-format retail network.
“Make It with Walmart”
As it marks its 30th anniversary in China, Walmart China has officially launched its new employer brand, “Make It with Walmart”. Built around five pillars – purpose-driven, people-centred, technology-enabled, limitless opportunities and building a better future – the initiative redefines the role employees play in business innovation, customer service and community engagement.
The new employer brand reaffirms founder Sam Walton’s belief that “our associates make the difference”. It sends a clear message to every employee: at Walmart, everyone should have the opportunities and support they need to grow, every idea has the potential to become reality and every opportunity can make an impact. Together with its associates, the company will continue to create value for customers, members and communities.
As an important part of Walmart China’s future development, the initiative responds to the evolving need for digital capabilities, innovative talent and organisational strength following three decades of growth. It also reflects the company’s long-term investment in employee development, technology and organisational culture.
Walmart in Chongqing
Since Walmart first arrived in the mountain city of Chongqing in 2005, it has become deeply integrated into the city over more than two decades, bringing international retail expertise together with the rhythms of everyday life and Chongqing’s changing urban landscape.
Drawing on the strength and experience of its global supply chain, Walmart has continued to offer Chongqing families an increasingly diverse range of high-quality lifestyle choices:
2005 – Walmart opens its first store in Chongqing.
2020 – Chongqing’s first Sam’s Club opens.
August 2026 – Half of Walmart’s stores in Chongqing complete refurbishment and upgrades.
About Walmart
Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in Arkansas, USA, in 1962. After more than 60 years of development, Walmart now operates more than 10,000 stores and multiple e-commerce websites across 19 countries. Today, Walmart is a people-centred, technology-enabled omnichannel retailer. Through its physical stores and multiple e-commerce channels, it helps customers find the products they want, whenever and wherever they choose, while saving customers and members money so they can live better.
From 2012 to 2025, Walmart ranked first on the Fortune Global 500 for 12 consecutive years.
Text and Images: Wang Jingjing