Publications
Publications
- January 2018 (Revised October 2020)
- HBS Case Collection
The Rise and Rise (?) of Walmart (A): Battling Kmart
By: Ramon Casadesus-Masanell, Eric Van den Steen and Karen Elterman
Abstract
This case, set in 1990, describes the history of Walmart and asks what competitive strategies Kmart might adopt in response to Walmart's success. It discusses the strategy and organization of both companies in terms of HR practices, store location, distribution, information technology, procurement, pricing, and company culture. This (A) case is the first in a multi-part series that goes on to describe the results of Kmart's competition with Walmart, as well as Walmart's later grappling with ecommerce and Amazon.
Keywords
Walmart; Kmart; Organization; Company Culture; Pricing; Procurement; Supercenter; Strategy; Competition; Organizational Culture; Competitive Strategy; Retail Industry; United States; Bentonville; Arkansas
Citation
Casadesus-Masanell, Ramon, Eric Van den Steen, and Karen Elterman. "The Rise and Rise (?) of Walmart (A): Battling Kmart." Harvard Business School Case 718-431, January 2018. (Revised October 2020.)