Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is the largest retail company in the United States and has been ranked number one by Fortune Magazine. Wal-Mart has four parts to their corporate strategy.
1. Dominance in the Retail Market
2. Expansion in the U.S. and International Markets
3. Creation of Positive Brand and Company Recognition
4. Branch Out into New Sectors of Retail
If I were appointed as Thailand’s CEO of Wal-Mart to engage retail business in Thailand market, first I need to analyze the retain market in Thailand.
First I have to study the existing retail market of Thailand, like Tesco Lotus, Big C, IKEA, 7 – 11 etc. Then I have to evaluate Wal-Mart, Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threads (SWOT) in the market.
a) Strength
Wal-Mart has one of the best track records on the market as a stock, being one of the best equities of all time.
Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway is a big investor. This should at least somewhat ease concerns from retail investors about the long-run viability of the company.
Wal-Mart has created one of the most efficient distribution networks in retail, which helps enable it to be the "low cost leader."
Thailand people give more value to western market then their own local market, so it will be easy start for western market to introduce in Thailand.
b) Weakness
Wal-Mart's online site does not offer the same selection as many stores.
Thailand's retail industry is in a state of flux.
While it has yet to fully embrace information technology, it is on its way to understanding more of the benefits of going online and mobile to keep up with the trends in the region and to better serve an increasingly tech savvy consumers.
c) Opportunity
Wal-Mart continues to expand internationally, which will be a key to raising earnings in the future
The company cefinitely has room to grow online and strengthen its web business.
d) Threads
Wal-Mart has a lot of competition at the low end of the market with Family