Millions of people shop at Walmart each day, but much more about the retailer goes beyond its familiar aisles and low prices. From its early days in Arkansas to the systems behind its stores, these 14 facts offer a fresh look at a place many shoppers visit every week.

Walmart Sells Much More Online Than You’ll Find in Stores

Even the largest Walmart Supercenters carry just a portion of the items listed on Walmart’s website. Online shoppers can browse a wider selection of furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, home décor, and specialty goods that may not be available at their local store.

Great Value Products Go Through Extensive Testing

Walmart’s Great Value label covers a wide range of groceries and household staples at prices many shoppers find appealing. Product testing, including taste checks for food items, helps the company assess quality and compare its store-brand goods with familiar national brands.

Private Brands Go Beyond Great Value

Great Value gets much of the attention, but Walmart carries many other store-owned and exclusive labels. They include clothing, baby supplies, pet products, outdoor gear, home goods, and personal care.

Walmart Is One of the World’s Largest Private Employers

Walmart employs millions of people across its operations, making it one of the largest private employers worldwide. Its workforce includes store associates, warehouse staff, truck drivers, customer service teams, technology workers, and corporate employees.

Prices Can Vary Between Stores

A familiar Walmart item may cost a different amount at another location. Local competition, regional costs, demand, and other market factors can affect prices, so shoppers shouldn’t assume every store has identical pricing.

Walmart Started as a Single Five-and-Dime Store

Before Walmart became a household name, Sam Walton ran a small variety store called Walton’s 5&10 in Bentonville, Arkansas. That early retail venture helped lead to the opening of the first Walmart Discount City in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962.

You Can Still Visit the Original Store

The former Walton’s 5&10 location in downtown Bentonville is now home to the Walmart Museum. Visitors can learn about the company’s early years and see historical items and features connected to its beginnings.

Walmart Has Its Own Culinary Innovation Center

Some of Walmart’s private-label foods go through recipe development and product testing before reaching store shelves. Its Culinary & Innovation Center gives teams a place to develop food ideas, evaluate products, and collect employee feedback.

Food Traceability Is a Major Priority

Tracking food through the supply chain can help retailers identify products involved in a recall or food safety investigation. Walmart has invested in traceability systems for certain products, helping teams track items through different stages of distribution.

Walmart Operates One of the Largest Private Truck Fleets in America

Stocking thousands of stores takes a large network of trucks, drivers, and distribution centers. Walmart’s private fleet moves merchandise across the country, giving the company greater control over many deliveries and helping replenish store shelves.

Stores Can Respond Quickly During Natural Disasters

When hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies threaten communities, Walmart can adjust shipments to meet local needs. Stores in affected areas may receive extra supplies such as bottled water, batteries, generators, and cleaning products, depending on conditions and availability.

The Walmart Cheer Has Been Around for Decades

The Walmart Cheer dates back to the 1970s and remains a familiar part of the company’s history. Sam Walton brought the idea home after seeing a similar group chant during a trip to South Korea, and employees have carried on the tradition for generations.

Grocery Pickup Changed the Shopping Experience

Walmart helped bring curbside grocery pickup to a wider audience by letting customers place orders online and collect them without walking through the store. Shoppers can choose their groceries ahead of time, then have employees bring the order to their vehicle at a participating location.

Walmart Is Constantly Investing in New Technology

Automated distribution systems, inventory tools, online ordering, and supply-chain software all play a part in Walmart’s daily operations. Many of these systems work out of sight, helping teams track stock, move merchandise, and prepare customer orders.