Fri, Aug 29 2008
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Published July 02, 2008 10:08 am - It was exactly 40 years ago when Sam Walton’s creation moved into the Tahlequah market. Tahlequah Wal-Mart celebrates 40 years By JOSH NEWTON TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — It was exactly 40 years ago when Sam Walton’s creation moved into the Tahlequah market.
On July 1, 1968, the 10th Wal-Mart store in the entire chain opened its doors in Tahlequah. Several expansions later, plus one big move to the SuperCenter world at its present location, Wal-Mart is still a thriving business to the community. And to most customers, it’s no secret why the store has been so successful: lower prices on many items, when compared to competitors; and the idea of being a one-stop shop for a family’s needs, from pharmacy to electronics, clothing and groceries. “We’re unique,” said Store Manager Mark Robertson. Robertson has acted in his position at Tahlequah for seven and one-half years. “We came from being store No. 10 in the entire chain,” said Robertson, “to now seeing Wal-Mart be known worldwide, in every state and in 13 countries. There are 7,880 buildings worldwide, and I think about 2 million associates.” The Tahlequah store, which opened the same day as Claremore’s Wal-Mart, according to Robertson, moved from a Division 1 store to the SuperCenter in 1997. The current location has seen one expansion since then. “We have a little over 400 employees,” said Robertson. “We are officially closed 36 hours a year. Other than that, we’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” The store closes Christmas eve night; Christmas day; and opens the following day. “This is a huge milestone for our store, for the associates to be here,” said Robertson. “We have a lot of long-term people. There are quite a few here who got to meet Mr. Sam, and that’s a rarity. I was able to meet Mr. Sam.” The Tahlequah Wal-Mart associate who’s been with the company the longest has about 30 years in at Tahlequah, according to Robertson. The Wal-Mart vision all began in 1962. Walton opened the first discount store in Rogers, Ark. By 1995, the company had entered into its 50th state, according to history published at www.walmartstores.com. In ‘97, Wal-Mart became the largest private employer in the U.S., and also saw its first $100 billion sales year. Wal-Mart executives say they have three basic beliefs and values: respect for the individual, service to the store’s customers, and striving for excellence. “Our customers are the reason we’re in business, so we should treat them that way,” says the store’s official Web site. “We’re proud of our accomplishments but never satisfied. We constantly reach further to bring new ideas and goals to life.” The chain operates a Wal-Mart Visitors’ Center in Bentonville, where Walton’s original variety store began on the downtown square. Over the years, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has expanded to include Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets, Sam’s Club warehouses, and a much-used online store at www.walmart.com. 
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