Let’s look back at the memories and milestones that have shaped Walmart Canada.
Walmart Canada was established in 1994 and opened with 122 stores across the country. Its headquarters are in the country’s sixth largest city by population: Mississauga, Ontario.
Remembering a grand tour
In the first few years of Walmart’s launch in Canada, Sam Walton’s eldest son and Walmart’s Chairman at the time, Rob Walton, could be found visiting stores. Longtime Walmart Canada associate Dave Wendt recalls when Rob visited his store in St. John's, Newfoundland. Dave picked him up at the airport in his family minivan. “Two days as a Walmart store manager, and I'm touring with Rob Walton,” Dave shares. “It was mind-blowing!”
Open arms and open doors
Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, hundreds of American flights were rerouted to Canadian airports. Of those, 38 landed in Gander, a small town located on the island of Newfoundland.
The townspeople came together to offer all that they could to support the stranded travelers. One of those people was Sharon Richards, a Walmart associate at Store 3033 in Gander. She opened her home to a family from one of the flights.
Making strides
In 2006, Supercentres opened in Canada, giving customers access to fresh groceries and general merchandise all under one roof.
Today, Walmart is among the largest employers in Canada with more than 100,000 associates and works with nearly 2,000 Canadian suppliers to bring locally made products to its shelves.
Fast facts
Walmart Canada is proud to have 403 stores and 16 distribution centers across the country. Big and small, each one is made possible by you — our associates!
- Largest store by square footage: Supercentre 3055 in Mississauga, Ontario.
- Smallest store by square footage: Store 1143 in Prince Rupert, on British Columbia’s North Coast.
- Northern-most store: Store 3121, up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
