“Before the doors opened, more than 500 people were waiting in line to check out the new store with 16,000 square feet of floor space.”
ROGERS, Ark. — On this day, over 60 years ago, the first Walmart opened in Rogers, Arkansas.
The City of Rogers said the first Wal-Mart Discount City store opened on July 2, 1962, on the corner of Walnut and 8th.
“Before the doors opened, more than 500 people were waiting in line to check out the new store with 16,000 square feet of floor space,” the city said.
The company explained the store chain started with humble beginnings in the hands of Sam Walton before exploding into the global giant it is today.
“Sam Walton was a man with visionary leadership, and our business is a result of that. Since the first Walmart opened in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas, we’ve been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers,” Walmart said. “Today, we’re helping communities save money and live better all over the world.”
Within five years of the first store’s opening, the Walton family owned 24 stores and was making millions in sales.
The Rogers Wal-Mart eventually moved to Walnut Plaza Shopping Center in 1973 and then to its current location at 2110 West Walnut in 1991.
The original Walmart building now houses Shelby Lane Antiques.Â
