Executive Summary

This is the first report in our US Retailers’ Timelines series. In this report, we examine a timeline of key events in Walmart’s recent history that have shaped it into the retailer it is today.

• The years between 2016 and 2018 defined Walmart’s strategy of managing its store fleet efficiently and strengthening its e-commerce business.
• To bolster its global online proposition and compete with Amazon, Walmart undertook a series of strategic acquisitions during these years.
• In May 2018, Walmart acquired a majority stake in Indian e-commerce marketplace Flipkart.
• In 2017, the retailer acquired Bonobos, a US-based e-commerce company focused on men’s apparel, and Moosejaw, an outdoor apparel retailer.
• In 2016, Walmart acquired online women’s clothing and accessories retailer ModCloth and e-commerce platform Jet.com.

This timeline has been updated.  Click here to view the updated timeline

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