Walmart 2002 Annual Report Download - page 11

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Most important, though, is the
competitive advantage Wal-Mart has
achieved through the growth and
development of our global Associates.
These Associates are as diverse as the
customers we serve – including people
from each local store’s community, the
home office, and from countries around the
globe. Our Associates represent the faces and
perspectives of their local communities, of
our customers, and of long-term Wal-Mart
leadership. They provide unique insight
into the history and culture of Wal-Mart, as
well as what it takes to be the best in each
community where we operate our stores.
The dynamic Wal-Mart culture is strong in
all of our international operations, where
our Associates have set the standard for
using “retailtainment” to drive store traffic
and increase sales.
One place where customers are
responding is Canada, where dozens of
communities have petitioned to have a
Wal-Mart store built in their town.
“People Development” programs and
advancements in communications between
our Associates played a pivotal role in
maintaining Wal-Mart’s competitive edge
globally. In June 2001, we launched an
International Leadership Development
Program (ILDP) to ensure that an ample
pool of operations teams and store managers
are prepared to support our growth in the
years to come.
The program provides intensive, cross-
continental training in Wal-Mart systems,
processes and our unique Wal-Mart culture.
Already, dozens of ILDP participants from
Supercenter Operations, Sam’s Operations
and Home Office Merchandising are using
their new skills to achieve our business and
revenue objectives. The program serves as a
dynamic motivation and career-development
tool, as well as a vital strategy for improving
upon this year’s accomplishments and
achieving our future business goals.
“Today, Wal-Mart International
Associates share ideas, expertise, best
practices and customer feedback at all levels
of our organization,” says John B. Menzer,
President and Chief Executive Officer of
Wal-Mart International. “This exchange
of experience and intellectual capital
allows Wal-Mart to anticipate retail trends,
capture new opportunities and transfer
global knowledge into real value for
our customers.”