Sam Walton founded Walmart in 1962 in Arkansas after starting his retail career working at JC Penny and opening Ben Franklin stores. Walmart is now the largest retailer in the world with over 6,200 stores globally employing 1.8 million people and generating $351.1 billion in annual revenue competing against stores like Target and Kmart. In addition to general merchandise, Walmart stores offer services like pharmacies, optical centers, and tire installations, and Sam's Club was opened in 1983 as a membership-based wholesale retailer offering items like groceries, electronics, and clothing.