Walmart’s Transformation Amid Amazon’s Rise

Walmart’s latest earnings report revealed a conservative outlook for the year ahead, but three key numbers highlight the company’s significant growth. The retail giant has undergone a remarkable transformation to stay competitive against rivals like Amazon and Target.

$681 Billion in Annual Sales

Walmart’s total sales last year reached $681 billion, surpassing any other company globally, including Amazon. Over the last four years, Walmart’s revenue has grown by over $121 billion, exceeding Target’s $107.5 billion in revenue over the past year. This growth signifies Walmart’s expansion by more than one Target since the pandemic.

However, Walmart’s dominance may be at risk. Amazon achieved stronger fourth-quarter revenue for the first time and is projected to lead in sales this year, leveraging AI and web services, according to CNBC.

30% of Online Shoppers Pay for Fast Delivery

Nearly a third of Walmart’s e-commerce shoppers pay a fee for one- or three-hour delivery windows on items like groceries and pharmacy prescriptions. This service, introduced in March, was nonexistent last year. Walmart’s ability to offer ultrafast same-day delivery is largely due to its extensive network of over 4,600 US stores, which are within a short drive of 93% of US households.

CEO Doug McMillon emphasized the need for more awareness about Walmart’s online assortment and delivery speed during the earnings call.

4 Million Developer Hours Saved by AI

Walmart’s AI-enabled coding assistants and completion tools saved developers approximately 4 million hours last year, a significant increase from nearly zero a year ago. This is one of several ways Walmart is evolving into a formidable 21st-century technology company, with an expanding e-commerce marketplace, growing advertising business, and an increasingly automated supply chain.

McMillon noted that increased productivity and reduced routine tasks allow for the development of tools that help grow the business and move faster.

As Amazon continues to challenge Walmart, the retail giant of 2025 is rapidly transforming into much more than a traditional Superstore.