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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Thirty years ago, Canadians got their first taste of Walmart’s every day low prices as the retailer launched with 122 stores across the country. Today, Walmart is proud to celebrate 30 years as part of the fabric of Canada: a story of partnership, integrity, growth, innovation and regeneration.
For the past 30 years, Walmart Canada has been there: through product and fashion crazes, a winter storm that turned into a store sleepover and our customers’ everyday milestones. And through more challenging times: natural disasters, a recession and a pandemic.
Canadians know they can count on Walmart as a one-stop shop saving money and time every time they shop with us, as an employer of choice for Canadians, as a destination for products from Canadian suppliers, as a part of the local community and as stewards of the environment. Transforming from a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer to a modern, omnichannel retailer over the past 30 years, Walmart Canada offers Canadians choice and convenience – no matter how they choose to shop.
“I want to thank Canadians for the trust they’ve placed in us over the last 30 years. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes, into your everyday lives and into your celebrations,” said Gonzalo Gebara, president and CEO, Walmart Canada. “As we look to the next 30 years, we’re going to continue doing what we do best: being there for you and your families with the products you need, when you need them, at the every day low prices you expect from us. That’s our promise to Canadians – and it’s the same one we launched with in 1994.”
A year of celebration
For this milestone of 30 years in Canada, Walmart is introducing its 30th Anniversary Rollback Event to help Canadians celebrate alongside the retailer. With Rollbacks on items across all areas of the business, including thousands of Rollback offers delivering savings of 30% or more, customers have been joining in the celebration since March 7.
For customers looking for a tasty celebratory treat, Walmart brands will have them covered with a delicious birthday-inspired offering across Bakery, Grocery and Frozen that will start to arrive in stores mid-May.
Plus, stay tuned to Walmart Canada LinkedIn, the 30th Anniversary Hub on WalmartCanada.ca and Walmart World for 30-year stories featuring Walmart Canada associates, suppliers and more.
“After 30 years with Walmart Canada, I still feel that same passion and excitement I felt in 1994. In that time, I’ve had countless experiences with our customers that proved to me again and again how we help Canadians save money so they can live better,” said Dave Wendt, manager, Central Operations, Walmart Canada. “From my first day as a store manager to my current role in Operations 30 years later, that unwavering dedication is what gets me up in the morning.”
“Our 30-year relationship with Walmart Canada has been a function of hard work, meticulous execution and perseverance. We always understood the customer was number one – and we’re proud to have been awarded Walmart Canada’s Supplier of the Year for Apparel in our first year in 1994, 1995 and then again in this, our 30th year of business together,” said Martin Lieberman, president, Lamour Inc. “The best part about being a Walmart vendor is that you’re dealing with an honest partner: someone who keeps their word, understands the concept of doing business and that through partnership and working together you all win. Congratulations, Walmart Canada, on 30 years!”
“It’s hard to believe that it’s only been 30 years since Walmart opened over 120 stores across the country. Today, most Canadians shop at Walmart, and it’s hard to imagine our retail environment without it. Local Walmart stores are a key part of their communities, offering reliable and affordable access to products made here in Canada and around the world,” said Perrin Beatty, president and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “And we can’t forget that Walmart is also one of largest employers in the country, making it a landmark of Canada’s business landscape. The Canadian Chamber is happy to join Walmart in celebrating 30 years of doing business in Canada – both with and for the benefit of Canadian families.”
