Walmart was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, beginning a retail revolution that would transform shopping habits worldwide. Walton's focus on low prices and customer service led to the rapid expansion of the chain, making it one of the largest retail corporations globally. Walmart's business model and practices have had a profound impact on the retail industry, influencing supply chain management and consumer behavior.

The founding of Walmart in 1962 reshaped small towns and labor patterns, becoming significant themes in contemporary social writing. Poets like Claudia Rankine and Tracy K. Smith address the impacts of consumer culture and economic disparities in their works, reflecting on the everyday lives of individuals.