The origins of Walmart Canada can be traced back to 1962. At that time, the F.W. Woolworth Company Ltd. was opening its first Canadian Woolco department store in Windsor, Ontario. Woolco stores were also opening in the U.S. at the time.
Meanwhile, Sam Walton was opening his first discount store – Walton's 5&10 – in Rogers, Arkansas. He was convinced it was the wave of the future.
The two chains grew simultaneously in North America. By 1983, the Woolworth Company changed direction and sold the U.S. Woolco stores to Walmart. Woolco in Canada continued on until 1994 when Walmart acquired its 122 stores across the country.
1994
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announces acquisition of the 122-store Woolco division of Woolworth Canada.
1996
Strategy Magazine rates Walmart Canada best in customer service and value for money.
1998
For the third year in a row, a Canadian store is selected as Walmart International Store of the Year.
1999
With more than 1.1 millions associates, Walmart becomes the world’s largest private employer.
2004
Associates and community members participate in the first annual Walmart Walk for Miracles in support of Canada's children's hospitals.
2006
Walmart Canada opens its first supercentres in Stouffville, London and Ancaster, Ontario, offering fresh food combined with general merchandise for the broadest selection of products under one roof and all at Everyday Low Prices.
2008
Walmart Canada celebrates its 300th store opening.
2009
Walmart Canada launches its new, brighter logo and tag line: Save Money. Live Better.
2010
Walmart Canada celebrates its 100th supercentre opening.
Walmart Canada hosts the Green Business Summit in Vancouver, a high-profile event which brought together more than 300 of Canada's largest corporations, NGOs, academics and government leaders to share the business case for sustainability.