The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retail giant Wal-Mart generated over $418 billion in sales last year, surpassing the gross domestic product of the 23~(rd) largest economy in the world (Norway). Its 8,500 stores in 15 countries currently employ more than 2 million people, about as many as the federal government. Given its heft, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. can make or break the companies that are part of its vast supply chain that produces virtually any household item.
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