Wal-Mart’s Foreign Expansion

1. Do you think Wal-Mart could translate its merchandising strategy wholesale to another country and succeed? If not, why not?
No, because Wal-Mart has to adapt to the different necessities of eachcountry, as it said on the closing case, it didn’t succeed in some of the countries because of that. The culture of each country is totally different and they can’t take that for granted. If costumersdon’t feel as they are understood they won’t feel comfortable or at home, so they wont buy your product or use your service.

2. Why do you think Wal-Mart was successful in Mexico?
Because itcould adapt to Mexican culture, which is not really different from American culture. We are very closed to the United States, so we have similar characteristics and they also have an idea of our cultureand preferences already.

3. Why do you think Wal-Mart failed in South Korea and Germany?
What are the differences between this countries and Mexico?
I knew Wal-Mart had troubles with the Germanworkers, because they demanded different working conditions. Also, the American style has nothing to do with the South Korean or German style, and Wal-Mart wasn’t able to adapt to different styles. Ithink language was also a problem.
In Mexico, as I said before, we have very similar characteristics to the United States. Education and social structure are also important elements to consider.4. What must Wal-Mart do to succeed in China? Is it on track?
I think it is on track because it already understood it had to adapt to the culture of the country. It has implemented differentstrategies and changes to succeed in China. I think the products sold in there must have the characteristics of Chinese products.

5. To what extent can a company like Wal-Mart change of the nation where itis doing business?
As long as it maintains its essence but keeping in mind it has to adapt its products and strategies to the different cultures. I also think it can change as long and as much...