Source: New Walmart Logo, Wikipedia

Are you familiar with this logo?

It is the logo for Walmart, a chain of large discount stores in the United States. The map below shows how Walmart has spread across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Source: Walmart footprint, Wikipedia

Walmart began as a small store in Bentonville, Arkansas, and now there are nearly 9000 stores worldwide. Walmart is a modern symbol of American culture. Walmart's humble beginning as a small general store that has grown into the most recognizable chain of stores worldwide is an example of the free enterprise of the American system and a symbol of American culture.

The Original Walmart: Walton's Five and Dime

Source: Walton's Five and Dime Store Bentonville, Arkansas, Bobak, Ha'Eri, Wikimedia

This is a newly remodeled Walmart in Laurel, Maryland.

Source: Laurel Walmart Exterior Panorama, Maryland Pride, Wikimedia

Watch this video about the opening of a new Walmart store in India.

Answer the following questions in your notes.

1. What similarities did you see between the Walmart stores in India and the Walmart stores in the United States?
2. What differences did you see between the Walmart stores in India and those in the United States?

Walmart's expansion into India and other parts of the world is an example of cultural convergence. Walmart has quickly become a symbol of American culture that has converged globally. It now operates in 27 countries.

Click on the link to view a map of Walmart around the world.