Wal-Mart - Essay Example

1.

Walmart has definitely done well in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the U.K. In all these countries, the standardized strategies by Wal-Mart seem to work and sales figures and revenues show the results. Walmart can function at its will in these regions, taking up the major portion of the superstore chain scenario, enthusiastic and not-so-demanding customers that are good international partners. Wal-Mart has performed well in all these countries with the U.K being the top international contributor. Wal-Mart’s success in these countries came because of the brand name it has, plus Wal-Mart always streamlines its systems to give the maximum efficiency that other companies cannot cope with. It takes over other stores to enter a new market and because of the brand name, it is able to quickly settle in. (International Operations, 2008)

As mentioned above, Wal-Mart has a simple strategy that it practices around the globe. This has been the reason why Wal-Mart hasn’t been able to do well in Germany and China. The same strategy cannot be implemented across cultural and geographical boundaries. Despite the standard strategies around the world, Walmart has to adapt to an extent like the low-budget stores in Brazil and small subway stores in China. The global initiative does not support its marketing strategy very well in all regions, Walmart needs to adapt and be flexible in order to be successful.  (International Operations, 2008)

Currently, it does not seem that Wal-Mart will be successful in Japan or German. To be successful, the management should study the local conditions of store chains that are functioning well and adopt a similar marketing strategy since learning is the best thing to do. Also, Japan and Germany are very quality-conscious thus the best thing is to give them high-quality products at higher rates. And also before starting any operations, Wal-Mart should perform extensive market research like the one being conducted in India.

4.

According to the conclusion that I have drawn, Wal-Mart can be successful in India. It has a rapidly growing population and economic growth is present as well. Indian people appreciate U.S partnerships and all existing U.S chains (all kinds) have been successful in India. Currently, India has no major worldwide top superstore chain present in the U.S., thus Walmart has the market open and with the right strategies, it can be a big hit in the country. It can start by taking over smaller retail stores and building storage areas in those areas while purchasing a big land to build the retail section of Walmart. Partnerships are very important in India as mentioned above thus this would play a major role in Wal-Mart’s success in India. (International Operations, 2008)

Apart from these countries, Wal-Mart should consider expanding its operations to Malaysia. Malaysia is the new and upcoming biggest tourist attraction. People from all over the world fly over to Malaysia and it is becoming a popular destination. Tourism could be a good thing for a newly opened superstore chain. Another country that Walmart could expand its operations to is the U.A.E. Dubai, to be precise, is becoming the newest tourist attraction as well as attracting investments all over the world. It is currently the hotspot for businesses. With tourists pouring in from all corners of the globe and rich locals, a chain like Walk-Mart can be successful if it functions properly. There are all sorts of consumer demand present and Wal-Mart would not have t worry about Germany or Japan-like situations. In choosing a location, market demand, infrastructure costs, and socio-political and socio-economical conditions need to be concerned. If all these are favorable, then the operations are good to go.