SHENZHEN, China – August 12, 2026 — Walmart China is marking three decades in the country with a renewed commitment to long-term investment, local partnerships and community.

At a 30th anniversary celebration in Shenzhen, Walmart China announced a series of new partnerships across five key cities and unveiled its upgraded employer brand tagline, “Make a difference that matters”. Together, the initiatives signal the next chapter of Walmart's growth in China, one that focuses on building an even stronger local business, investing in its people and creating lasting value for the communities it serves.

Walmart opened its first stores in China in 1996. Over the past 30 years, the company has grown alongside the country's rapidly changing retail landscape, continually evolving its product offerings, services and shopping experiences to meet the diverse lifestyle aspirations of Chinese consumers. At the same time, Walmart has leveraged its global capabilities and resources to empower local supply chains, working with suppliers and partners to support the continued development of China's retail ecosystem.

The anniversary marks a shift from simply expanding its presence to building deeper roots and creating sustainable, long-term growth in China.

Looking ahead, Walmart China plans to continue investing in the market, strengthening its retail footprint and building the capabilities needed for the next phase of growth, all while working closely with customers, members, associates and communities across the country.

Christina Zhu, President and CEO of Walmart China, delivers a keynote speech at the 30th Anniversary celebration in Shenzhen.

Christina Zhu, President and CEO of Walmart China said,

“For 30 years, the trust of our customers and members, governments, industry partners and associates has made it possible for us to grow alongside the Chinese market.

“We have had the privilege of witnessing China's economic transformation and the modernization of its retail industry, and more importantly, of becoming part of everyday life for millions of families.

“That experience has taught us something fundamental: retail is about much more than stores and merchandise. It is about the trust we build with the families and communities we serve, year after year.

“As we look to the next 30 years, we will stay close to our customers and members and continue to invest in China. Our purpose remains as relevant as ever: helping people save money and live better.

“That means continuing to optimize our operational footprint, helping local suppliers and partners grow, empowering our associates to learn and develop through a people-led, tech-powered philosophy, and enriching the everyday lives of customers and members through high-quality products and services. Ultimately, it means being a long-term partner creating lasting shared value across communities, where we grow and thrive together.”

Peng Jianzhen, President of the China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), addresses the audience.

Peng Jianzhen, President of China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), also spoke at the event:

“Over the past three decades, Walmart China has played an instrumental role in shaping the modern retail landscape in China, evolving from a pioneer of high-quality retail practices into an industry leader.

“This growth reflects both the benefits of China's high-level opening-up policy and Walmart's strategic determination to root itself locally while prioritizing quality retail.

“In recent years, Walmart has consistently deepened its local supply chain integration, raising standards in quality control, logistics efficiency, and product innovation. This collaborative approach has driven upstream and downstream ecosystem growth and established a benchmark for resilient industry development.

“We look forward to Walmart China continuing to grow with the local market and driving sustainable industry growth together with key stakeholders.”

New Partnerships Expand Walmart China's Presence in Five Cities

As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, Walmart China announced new partnerships covering five cities, demonstrating its long-term conviction in the Chinese consumer market.

The partnership include MOUs covering Walmart Store and Sam's Club operations in Yantai, Shandong, new Walmart store partnerships in Changping, Beijing, and Shenyang, Liaoning, and partnerships supporting the development of Sam's Club locations in Wuhan, Hubei, and Nantong, Jiangsu.

The partnerships are designed to meet the needs of individual local markets while expanding the reach of Walmart China's two complementary retail formats.

In Yantai, Walmart China plans to build on the strengths of both Walmart Store and Sam's Club to establish a premium retail and consumption hub serving customers and members in the city and surrounding areas.

In Changping and Shenyang, the focus will be on bringing next-generation Walmart stores, focusing on store innovation and elevated retail offerings.

In Wuhan and Nantong, new Sam's Club partnerships will bring the membership-based retail model to regional markets, with a differentiated assortment and value proposition designed around the needs of members.

The new city partnerships build on a broader commitment to local collaboration. On August 11, Walmart China and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement. The two parties will collaborate on the development of Shenzhen's headquarters economy, expansion of its commercial network across retail formats, digital transformation of stores and initiatives to stimulate consumer spending.

“Make A Difference That Matters”: Investing in the People Behind the Business

Walmart's 30-year legacy in China is built upon the dedication and ingenuity of generations of associates. Celebrating this milestone, Walmart China launched its upgraded employer brand slogan, “Make a difference that matters”.

Built on five key pillars—Purpose-Driven, People-Led, Tech-Powered, Opportunity for Everyone, and Impact at Scale—the employer brand reframes how associates drive business innovation, customer service, and community connection.

Grounded in founder Sam Walton's enduring belief that “Our people make the difference”, the initiative provides associates with clear career pathways, resources to turn innovative ideas into reality, and opportunities to create tangible impact for customers, members, and local communities.

It also reflects the heightened importance of digital capabilities, innovative talent and organizational agility as Walmart China positions itself for its next stage of growth following its three-decade milestone, and signals continued investment in associate development, technology and corporate culture going forward.

As it enters its next chapter, Walmart China will continue to evolve its business around customer and member needs, embed its local operations in China, serve customers and members better, and create lasting value as the omnichannel retailer grows alongside the Chinese market.