The Walmart Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas
In 1950 Sam Walton, along with his wife Helen, sons, Rob, Jim, and John, and daughter Alice, moved to Bentonville, Arkansas to pursue a dream of entrepreneurship. Sam Walton wanted families living in rural parts of the country to have increased access to a larger variety of goods and services. While in Bentonville, Sam opened Walton’s 5&10, the original store which would eventually grow to become Walmart, which has grown to become the largest retailer and private employer in the world.
In 1990 The Walmart Museum was opened in Bentonville, Arkansas to share the Walton family history, Sam Walton’s rise as a businessman, and the founding of Walmart.
“There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.”
About the Exhibits:
The Walmart Museum
While most Arkansans shop at Walmart weekly, very few know the story behind the store. At The Walmart Museum you can expect to learn about Sam Walton himself, his family, and how he went from running a Mom and Pop grocery store to a nationwide cooperation. You can also expect to see several artifacts from Walmart’s early days, like Sam Walton’s personal pick up truck and the office where he worked and managed his growing company.
Walton’s 5&10
Also included in this experience are aspects of the original store that started it all. Check out some of the original products sold in the Walton’s first store as well as other qualities that make this original location so special, including the discounted, mismatched ceiling tiles Walton bought because he knew if he saved money on the tiles, he could charge less for his groceries and save his customers money.
The Spark Cafe
When you are done learning about Walmart’s history and success, you can go for ice cream in the Spark Cafe! Walton was a lover of Butter Pecan ice cream, specifically Yarnell’s. It was the first brand sold at his store and it is a family owned brand started in Searcy, Arkansas. To honor Walton’s love of the ice cream the Spark Cafe only sells Yarnell’s, and even has a special Walmart flavor made with blue and yellow colors!
Learn more:
Whether you are interested in entrepreneurship, Walmart’s history, or are just in search of some good ice cream, The Walmart Museum has something for everyone. To reserve a tour, scroll through a virtual timeline, or read through their blog visit their website at https://www.walmartmuseum.com/content/walmartmuseum/en_us.html.
