In 2007, Wal-Mart faces challenges in its historically high growth rates. Lagging same-store sales and setbacks overseas led the company to consider strategic shifts. Wal-Mart was the largest retailer in the world, but the competition has become particularly acute, as the company has expanded from rural markets, which it has long dominated, in urban and suburban areas. Covers developments in merchandising strategy Wal-Mart and its approach to store formats, it is sometimes controversial practice of human resources, its efforts to improve its image through public relations campaigns, its aggressive, though sometimes difficult, the movement in international markets, and its main competitors, especially Target. Exhibits provide data (as of February 2007) on the financial performance of Wal-Mart, its share price performance, its international operations, and the format of the store, as well as the financial performance goals. "Hide
by David B. Yoffie, Michael Slind Source: Harvard Business School 12 pages. Publication Date: March 1, 2007. Prod. #: 707517-PDF-ENG
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