As Matthew Boyle writes for Business Week in “Wal-Mart’s Painful Lessons,” the company’s international expansion has faced immense challenges at nearly every stage, and the numerous difficulties the retailer has encountered reveal how a massive organization can retain its flexibility. While Wal-Mart’s US growth has not been without its difficulties (recall opposition in Vermont, or more recently, Orange County, VA), its domestic challenges provide valuable experience as it expands into countries such as Japan, Russia, India, and Chile. Mr. Boyle’s article is extensive and well-worth reading, but below are some highlights:
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