Wal-Mart and its Market Structure

A detailed Summary of Wal-Mart and its Market Structure


In a world where most retailers are categorized as having a monopolistic competition market structure, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. appears to have an oligopoly market structure. Nevertheless, because there are far too many retailers to deal with, then they also have a monopolistic competition market structure. Regardless, Wal-Mart would rather have it this way because it has not hurt them at all by having competition.

When Wal-Mart Stores Inc. opened its doors to their first discount store in 1962, Sam Walton had no idea his business would take off like it has to this day. The reason for Wal-Mart's success has been their ability to create a basic structure for their very own business ecosystem. Wal-Mart came to the conclusion that if they offered a variety of well-known brands and sold them about 15% cheaper than other retailers, then this would make them a powerful force in the retail business.


In less than three decades of existence, Wal-Mart grew from a single small discount store in Rogers, Arkansas, to the largest retailer in the nation. This title was previously held by Sears Roebuck and Co., but during the early 1990's they were surpassed by Wal-Mart and Kmart. Sears has since regained the number two spot as the nation's leading retailers, but it appears that Wal-Mart may never be caught.

At the end of 1996, Wal-Mart Supercenters had a 62% share of total supercenter sales. The sales for 1996 totaled $17.78 billion, up from the $11.51 billion for the previous year. These numbers, and Wal-Mart's other numbers continue to grow year after year, and at this rate it may be hard to maintain a monopolistic competition market structure. They may have no choice but to consider themselves an oligopoly.

ystem may be similar to what other retailers may use, such as Kmart, but Wal-Mart did not follow th

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