Walmart supplier audit consulting

1. About Walmart

Walmart is a US public company. Sam Walton opened its first store in 1962; the company was incorporated in 1969 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. Its development from a family-founded business into an international retailer has created supply opportunities across many product categories.

Walmart’s activities include grocery and general merchandise retail. Supplier readiness requires attention to product quality, responsible sourcing and applicable compliance requirements.

The company’s history is closely associated with the Walton family. It is a publicly traded company, rather than a wholly private family business.

Its international portfolio has changed over time. Walmart’s official history records the divestiture of its Brazil business in 2018, its Argentina business in 2020, and the sale of Asda and a majority stake in Seiyu in 2021. Historical country and subsidiary lists should therefore not be treated as its current operating footprint.

Store counts, employee numbers and country coverage change over time. Use Walmart’s official location and company information for up-to-date figures.

Revenue and market rankings must be tied to a reporting year. The undated figures in the earlier version of this article have been replaced with links to Walmart’s own information.

2. Suppliers and supply chains

Walmart expects suppliers to maintain responsible supply chains and improve working conditions in the facilities that produce its merchandise.

Supplier compliance involves business ethics, labour and environmental responsibilities, product safety and quality. Walmart’s responsible sourcing audits use a risk-based approach; requirements depend on the facility and applicable programme.

3. Preparation topics

The following thirteen topics summarise the preparation areas introduced in the Vietnamese source. They are an overview, not a substitute for the current Walmart Standards for Suppliers or a facility-specific audit checklist.

• Compliance with laws
• Voluntary labour
• Working hours
• Hiring and recruitment
• Compensation
• Freedom of association and collective bargaining
• Health and safety
• Dormitories and canteens
• Environment
• Gifts and entertainment
• Conflicts of interest
• Anti-corruption
• Financial integrity

4. Official information

Walmart history

Company, locations, leadership and people

Supplier compliance requirements

Responsible sourcing and people in supply chains

Walmart supplier information