What Countries Does Walmart Have Stores In?

Where exactly does Walmart have stores?

Walmart’s footprint stretches across six continents, from its massive U.S. presence to smaller but strategic outposts in Africa and Asia. Honestly, this is the best way to think about it: wherever you are in North America, Central America, or parts of Asia and Africa, there’s probably a Walmart nearby—or at least a local version under a different name. The company started as a single discount store in Arkansas back in 1962, and now it’s a global retail force with over 10,500 locations under 48 different banners. Some of those banners are globally recognized as Walmart, while others—like Walmart de México y Centroamérica or Flipkart Wholesale in India—are tailored to local markets.

Can you list all the countries where Walmart has physical stores?

Now, here’s the thing: these numbers aren’t set in stone. Walmart regularly opens and closes stores depending on how well they perform. For example, they pulled out of Germany back in 2006 and South Korea in 2008, but they’ve been expanding in places like India and Africa. On top of physical stores, Walmart runs eCommerce platforms in 14 countries, which really boosts their reach beyond just brick-and-mortar locations.

Why did Walmart fail in some countries but succeed in others?

Walmart’s international story is full of lessons—some hard-won. Take Germany, for instance. The company tried to roll out its exact U.S. model—no employee fraternization, mandatory greeters at store entrances—and completely ignored local labor laws and shopping habits. That didn’t go over well. Similarly, in South Korea, Walmart’s huge superstores clashed with the local preference for smaller, neighborhood markets. These failures taught Walmart a crucial lesson: you can’t just transplant your business model overseas and expect it to work. Adaptation matters.

Contrast that with Canada and Mexico. When Walmart entered Canada in 1994 by acquiring 94 Woolco stores, it actually worked. Same with Mexico in 1991—locals embraced the fresh tortillas, bilingual signage, and familiar store layouts. Today, Walmart de México y Centroamérica is one of the company’s most profitable divisions, with over 2,700 stores across six countries. The takeaway? When Walmart listens to local needs, it thrives. When it doesn’t? Well, you’ve seen the exit strategies.

Who actually owns Walmart?

The Walton family still calls the shots at Walmart. As of 2026, they control just under 50% of the company through Walton Enterprises LLC and Walton Family Holdings Trust. That keeps Walmart firmly in family hands, even though big institutional investors like Vanguard Group Inc. hold sizable minority stakes. Now, here’s a common myth: no, Walmart isn’t owned by China. The country’s suppliers do make up about 70-80% of Walmart’s merchandise—that’s just how global supply chains work these days.

How big is Walmart’s economic impact worldwide?

Walmart isn’t just a retail giant; it’s an economic powerhouse. The company employs over 2.3 million people globally, with 1.6 million of those jobs right here in the U.S. In 2025, Walmart raked in $648 billion in global revenue, and about 25% of that came from its international operations. That kind of presence doesn’t just ring up sales—it shapes local economies, too. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Walmart has faced criticism for pushing out small businesses and labor controversies, but there’s no denying its massive footprint.

Does Walmart operate in China?

Yes—but only in a limited way. Walmart doesn’t have physical stores in China anymore. Instead, it runs an eCommerce platform there. The company pulled out of the physical retail market in China back in 2016, but it still sells products online to Chinese consumers. That’s because China’s foreign direct investment rules make it tough for foreign retailers to operate physical stores without local partnerships. So, while you won’t find a Walmart Supercenter in Shanghai, you can still buy Walmart-branded goods through their digital channels.

What about Walmart in India? How does that work?

India is a tricky market for foreign retailers, thanks to strict foreign direct investment rules. That’s why Walmart didn’t try to open its own stores there—instead, it bought a majority stake in Flipkart, India’s biggest eCommerce company, back in 2018. This move let Walmart tap into India’s booming online shopping scene without running afoul of local regulations. Flipkart operates under the Walmart banner in many ways, but it’s really a hybrid model: part Indian startup, part global retail giant. Honestly, this is the best approach for Walmart in markets where local laws are restrictive.

Does Walmart have stores in Europe?

Only in one country: the United Kingdom. Walmart’s British operations run under the Asda banner, and they’ve got over 630 locations there—from massive superstores to smaller supermarkets. Asda is a major player in the UK grocery market, and it even offers online grocery delivery, which is a huge hit with British shoppers. Outside the UK? No physical Walmart stores. Walmart tried Germany and walked away in 2006, and it never really gained traction in other European markets. So, if you’re looking for a Walmart in Paris or Rome, you’re out of luck.

What about Walmart in Africa?

Africa’s a growing market for Walmart, but it’s still pretty limited. Right now, Walmart’s biggest presence on the continent is in South Africa, where it operates through partnerships with local subsidiaries like Massmart. The stores there fly under different banners—Game and Builders Warehouse—rather than the Walmart name. Johannesburg and Cape Town have the highest concentrations of these locations. Walmart’s African expansion is still in its early stages, but it’s a region the company is watching closely for future growth.

Can I shop at Walmart if I travel to another country?

It depends on where you’re going. If you’re heading to Canada, Mexico, or the UK (under the Asda name), you’ll have no trouble finding a Walmart-style store. In Central America, Walmart’s presence is strong in countries like Guatemala and Honduras. South Africa’s got Game and Builders Warehouse locations, which are Walmart-affiliated. For travelers, the most accessible options are:

• Canada: Stores are everywhere, especially in Ontario and Alberta. No language barriers for English speakers.
• Mexico: Big cities like Mexico City and Monterrey have plenty of Walmart Supercenters, while smaller towns might have Walmart Express formats. Bilingual staff are common near the U.S. border.
• United Kingdom (Asda):
• Asda’s got over 630 locations, from huge superstores to compact supermarkets, mostly in England. Online grocery delivery is a big deal here.
• South Africa: Look for Game and Builders Warehouse stores, especially in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These are Walmart’s partners on the ground.

Pro tip: Before you go, double-check Walmart’s Store Locator. Store formats and names change by region, and not every country has physical Walmart locations. For example, you won’t find them in Australia, Japan, or most of Europe outside the UK.

Does Walmart have plans to expand into new countries?

Walmart’s expansion strategy isn’t exactly transparent, but we can piece together some clues from its recent moves. The company has been focusing on strengthening its eCommerce game—especially in high-growth markets like India and Africa—rather than rushing into new countries with physical stores. That said, Walmart’s always keeping an eye on opportunities. If a market looks promising—like a place with growing middle classes and fewer regulatory hurdles—you might see Walmart test the waters. For now, though, its international footprint is pretty stable, with no major new country entries on the horizon.

How does Walmart decide which countries to enter or exit?

Walmart’s approach to entering or leaving a market isn’t random. It’s all about the numbers—and the culture. First, the company looks at market size, growth potential, and competition. If a country’s retail sector is crowded or dominated by local players, Walmart might think twice. Then there’s the cultural fit. Walmart learned the hard way that its U.S. model doesn’t always translate overseas. So now, it spends a lot of time studying local shopping habits, labor laws, and consumer preferences before making a move. Exits, like in Germany and South Korea, usually happen when a market just isn’t profitable or the fit isn’t right. It’s a mix of data and adaptability.

Are there any countries where Walmart tried to enter but failed?

Oh, absolutely. Walmart’s international history is full of missteps. Germany is the poster child for failure—Walmart entered in 2006 and left by 2007. The company tried to enforce its U.S. policies, like banning employee relationships and requiring greeters, without adapting to German labor laws or shopping culture. Then there’s South Korea, where Walmart exited in 2008. Its massive superstores didn’t align with Korean shoppers’ love for small, neighborhood markets. These failures cost Walmart millions, but they also taught the company a valuable lesson: don’t ignore local customs. That’s why Walmart’s more cautious now, often partnering with local players rather than going it alone.

What’s the future of Walmart’s international presence?

If you’re watching Walmart’s next moves, keep an eye on eCommerce and partnerships. The company’s already making big bets in India through Flipkart and expanding its digital reach in Africa and Latin America. That said, don’t expect a sudden rush into new countries with physical stores. Walmart’s learned that brick-and-mortar expansion is expensive and risky—just look at its exits from Germany and South Korea. Instead, expect a focus on strengthening existing markets, improving supply chains, and maybe dipping toes into new regions where regulations are favorable. The future’s digital, but Walmart’s not giving up on physical stores entirely—it’s just being smarter about where and how it grows.