Wal-Mart Circular
 
 
     
   
 
Wal-Mart International entered the Korean market on July 10, 1998 by acquiring majority shares in Korea Makro. This was the second presence in the Asian market following China.
Wal-Mart designed the Supercenter concept to save customers time and money and also offer a unique shopping experience based on the Wal-Mart philosophy of "Every Day Low Prices". Supercenters feature the traditional 36 general merchandise departments. Additionally, the grocery area offers a bakery, delicatessen, frozen food section, meat and dairy as well as fresh produce departments. Through high volume sales, Supercenter customers find Wal-Mart's "Every Day Low Prices" on everything from produce to washing powder.

As of 2004, Wal-Mart Korea currently operates 16 stores including Incheon, Ilsan, Gusung, Daejon, Kangnam, Daegu(Siji, Bisan, Sungseo), Hwajung, and Ulsan(Joongang), Busan(Seomyun), Bucheon(Jungdong), Incheon(Geyang), Anyang(Pyeongchon), Masan, and Pohang employ over 3,700 associates.

 

      
 
    Korean economy has been able to recover itself from IMF crisis, thanks to foreign direct investments. Wal-Mart Korea is one of the top 10 foreign direct investors with total investment amount of US$709 million.


 
    Wal-Mart is one of the largest private employers in the world, employing more than one million people in the US and more than three hundred thousand worldwide. The number is five hundred thousand more than the total population of Taejon. In 2004 alone, Wal-Mart hired hundred thousand of people worldwide, creating job opportunities and thus reducing unemployment of the country.
Wal-Mart Korea has contributed to Korean society by hiring over 3,700 associates in its 16 stores; it offers an indirect employment for over 32,300 people in Korea. Wal-Mart Korea will continue to cooperate with Korean government to reduce unemployment by continuously increasing quality job opportunities.


 
 
Wal-Mart has purchased US$582million value of Korean merchandise in 2003. Also over US$460 million value of local goods were exported to overseas through Wal-Mart global sourcing and procurement network. Thousands of millions of Korean merchandises are now reaching overseas customers through Wal-Mart stores around the globe.

 
    Wal-Mart Korea has played a leading role in introducing ethical conduct of businesses and practices to the local retail market. Wal-Mart values and beliefs are highlighted and demonstrated through ethical, transparent and thrifty management practices. Based upon company credo for " Respect for the Individual", Wal-Mart Korea has successfully created a most enjoyable working environment for its associates.
Free and equal working relationships are shared among all levels of associates, timely customer service and fair and transparent partnership with suppliers are key three factors that enable Wal-Mart always take leading role in continuously improving the local market environment.
 
    Wal-Mart Korea strongly supports and endorses career advancement of all associates, ensuring fair and discrimination-free working environment for each of them, regardless of gender, age and educational background. Everyone will be judged by their professionalism and dedication; outstanding performers will enjoy opportunities to grow with the company as a global retail talent.
 
    Wal-Mart Korea has already been recognized for one of the best employer of handicapped persons and was recently awarded a Plaque of Appreciation from the National Committee of Promoting Hiring the Challenged. Wal-Mart Korea's effort to hire handicapped associates also attracted positive attention from a national media. Wal-Mart Korea will continuously offer job opportunities for many talented but handicapped associates and equal opportunities to develop their career.



 
    Wal-Mart Korea has offered a variety of world-class merchandises to Korean customers through state of the art global distribution network technology. Wal-Mart's EDLP strategies were already recognized by world economist as the best way to achieve " Everyday low inflation" in the region we operate. Wal-Mart means Great Value.
Legacy of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton's spirit continues today in every customer service at Wal-Mart Korea. He taught his store associates to offer readily available 1 dollar from their uniform to every unsatisfied customer. At Wal-Mart, customers will always enjoy assortment of quality goods, lowest price, convenient parking and retailtainment that makes shopping at Wal-Mart a different experience from its competitors.



 
    Wal-Mart Korea has participated in various community involvement programs throughout its 16 stores. At every Super Center, customers will find special facilities for local residents and associates join local community by organizing environmental events or training programs. Wal-Mart Korea also helps local schools, orphanages and charity organizations through various donation programs. Whenever a new store is open, Wal-Mart Korea has made special donation to a charitable orgnization designated by the city.
 
    Associates at Wal-Mart Korea's will have a chance to continuously improve them selves to equip themselves with a global talent. Most advanced information and best practices are shared among associates in Wal-Mart around the world. The world-class training program offered at Wal-Mart has continuously enhance horizons of Wal-Mart Korea associates for them to reach a next level of excellence, to become leaders of the local retailer market.

 
    Since Wal-Mart was founded in 1962, the company has been enjoying continuously rapid growth to become the world's largest retailer. Today, Wal-Mart will not stop its growth in the world market. Wal-Mart astonished the world by achieving annual growth rate of 15% and in five years from now we will become twice as big company as it is now. Wal-Mart Korea also has achieved 67% growth in 2002 over the last year. Wal-Mart associates are part of this dynamic growth as we keep developing the market.



 
    Wal-Mart's phenomenal growth as the global leader has motivated the local industry to benchmark our successes. Our core business strategies such as EDLP/EDLC and Customer Services have been constantly benchmarked and they have become industry standard. Our Every Day Low Price has earned trust from our customers and is also being followed by many other local retailers. Wal-Mart's world-class distribution system, computer networking and training programs are another good example of Wal-Mart benchmark impact in the market.