- That was also true a decade ago, but the company has still adapted a lot since 2009.
- Major changes at Walmart over the past decade include a leadership shuffle, plenty of digital acquisitions, and a new focus on e-commerce and delivery.
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Walmart's growth has exploded over the last decade. Here's how much it has changed since 2009.
Walmart is one of the largest and most powerful retailers in the world.
Walmart has been a major player in the world of retail for decades. Today, the Arkansas-based chain is the biggest retailer in the world.
But the past 10 years have also have brought about some particularly big changes. As the decade comes to an end, Business Insider reviewed Walmart's financial statements from 2019 and 2009 to get a clear sense of how the retailer has adapted over time.
Walmart has been able to boost its e-commerce capabilities in response to the rise of competitors like Amazon, all the while growing bigger and bigger.
Here's a look back at some of the changes that Walmart has undergone in the past decade:
In 2019, Walmart saw net sales of $510.3 billion ...
Irene Jiang / Business Insider
Source: Walmart
... up considerably from $401.244 billion in net sales in 2009.
Irene Jiang / Business Insider
Source: Walmart
As of 2019, Walmart employs over 2.2 million people around the world.
Julio Cortez/AP Images
Source: Walmart
Thats a jump from 2009, back when Walmarts workforce numbered 2.1 million employees.
Jeff Mitchell / Reuters
Source: Walmart
Back in 2009, Walmart shoppers could order products on the chains website.
Stephanie Keith / Stringer / Getty Images
But today, Walmarts e-commerce business is a huge component of the company, helmed by Jet.com founder Marc Lore.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Source: Walmart
The companys e-commerce segment has made a number of key acquisitions since 2009, buying up brands like Jet.com, Flipkart, Moosejaw, Bonobos, and Shoes.com.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images
Source: Walmart
Walmarts delivery capabilities have also come a long way since 2009. As of January 2019, 800 Walmart locations offer grocery delivery options.
AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File
Source: Walmart
Back in January 2009, Mike Duke succeeded Lee Scott to become Walmarts CEO.
Sarah Conard/Reuters
At the time, Doug McMillon was serving as the CEO of Walmarts international division.
Gareth Patterson / AP Images
Source: Walmart
In late 2013, the companys board of directors appointed McMillon to the board and announced that he would take over from Duke in February 2014.
Mark Lennihan / AP Images
As of 2009, Walmart ran stores in 16 countries, including the United States.
Tom Murray / Business Insider
Source: Walmart
Since then, the retailer has only expanded its global reach. Walmart now operates stores in 27 countries around the world, including the United States.
David J. Phillip/AP Images
Source: Walmart
Since 2009, Walmart has accrued subsidiaries in India and African countries like Uganda, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Abhishek N. Chinnappa/Reuters
Source: Walmart
In one of the biggest testaments to Walmarts continued growth, Exxon Mobil Corporation beat out the retailer for the top spot of the Fortune 500 list in 2009.
Lisa Poole / AP Images
Source: Fortune
Today, Walmart occupies the top spot.
Gunnar Rathbun/AP Images for Walmart
Source: Fortune
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