Wal-Mart and Carrefour case study

This report on Wal-Mart and Carrefour forms part of Datamonitor's case studies series, which explores business practices across a variety of disciplines and business sectors. Each case study provides a concise evaluation of a company that stands out in some area of its strategic operations.

• Gain insight into the methods used by important industry players to give them a competitive edge
• Identify specific areas for operational improvements
• Capitalize on the knowledge of experienced companies when entering a new niche or market

• Datamonitor View
• Catalyst
• Summary
• Analysis
  • Introduction
  • Carrefour - first to market advantage
  • Early Asian entry provides competitive advantage
  • Carrefour has become the fifth largest retailer in China by acknowledging cultural differences of market
  • Carrefour plans to build greener stores which will help set it apart from competitors
  • An expansion drive is planned in China, though not by acquisitions
  • Wal-Mart - Chinese retail purchase helps push the company in China
  • Wal-Mart has often failed to become established in foreign markets
  • Trust-Mart purchase provides easier route for China expansion
  • Wal-Mart's Chinese business operations make allowances for cultural differences
  • Wal-Mart exploits the nascent Chinese credit card market by introducing its own card which offers discounts at Wal-Mart stores
• Appendix
  • Case study series
  • Methodology
  • Secondary sources
  • Further reading
  • Ask the analyst