Wal-Mart

Description

Wal-Mart Stores is an irresistible (or at least unavoidable) retail force that has yet to meet any immovable objects. Bigger than Europe's Carrefour, Tesco, and Metro AG combined, it is the world's #1 retailer, with about 6,775 stores, including some 1,075 discount stores, 2,250 combination discount and grocery stores (Wal-Mart Supercenters in the US and ASDA in the UK), and 580 warehouse stores (SAM'S CLUB). About 60% of its stores are in the US, but Wal-Mart is expanding internationally; it is the #1 retailer in Canada and Mexico. It owns a majority stake in Japanese retailer SEIYU. Wal-Mart also has operations in Asia, Europe, and South America. Founder Sam Walton's heirs own about 40% of Wal-Mart.RETURN

Target

Description

Purveyor of all that is cheap, yet chic, fast-growing Target Corporation has bulked up by slimming down. The nation's #2 discount chain (behind Wal-Mart) now operates about 1,500 Target and SuperTarget stores in 47 states, as well as an online business called Target.com. Target and its larger grocery-carrying incarnation, SuperTarget, have carved out a niche by offering more upscale, fashion-forward merchandise than rivals Wal-Mart and Kmart. After years of struggling to turn around its Marshall Field's and Mervyns departments stores divisions, the discounter sold them both in 2004. Target also owns apparel supplier The Associated Merchandising Corp. and issues Target Visa and its proprietary Target Card.RETURN