Walmart legally changes name in online retail era

Walmart is legally changing its name to reflect its growing focus on online sales.

Walmart announced plans to change its name from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to Walmart Inc. — dropping "Stores" out of its official namesake. The change demonstrates the company's "growing emphasis on serving customers seamlessly however they want to shop: in stores, online, on their mobile device or through pick-up and delivery."

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“While our legal name is used in a limited number of places, we felt it was best to have a name that was consistent with the idea that you can shop us however you like as a customer. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to invest in and strengthen our stores around the world and expand our e-commerce capabilities as we help save customers’ time and money,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart president and CEO.

Walmart’s formal legal name when it incorporated on Oct. 31, 1969, was Wal-Mart, Inc. It was changed to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., on Jan. 9, 1970 and has remained in place the past 47 years since Walmart went public that same year. Walmart has more than 11,600 stores in 28 countries.

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