This year’s Associate Celebration honored the timeless values and entrepreneurial spirit that propel us forward.
This year’s Associates Week ended with a bang — and a standing ovation. Thousands of associates packed Bud Walton Arena for an unforgettable Associate Celebration, closing out a week that reminded us who we are, where we’re going and what makes Walmart and Sam’s Club special: our people.
When associate Gregory Sams stepped up to sing the national anthem, the crowd roared with support, cheering before he even finished the final note. Following his performance, Executive Vice President of Store Operations for Walmart U.S. Cedric Clark took the stage, looking out at thousands of associates and saying it best: “We appreciate you and how you bring our purpose to life.”
A star-studded sendoff
Kicking things off with energy and humor, Jimmy Fallon took the stage as host. From a surprise serenade about Walmart and Sam’s Club associates to some of his signature games, reimagined with a Walmart twist, he had the crowd amused, entertained — and feeling proud.
But the real spotlight belonged to the stories shared on stage.
All in on growth and culture
Recalling Mr. Sam’s entrepreneurial spirit, Chairman of the Board of Directors Greg Penner reminded us that growth takes risk and innovation. And we have what it takes. “We will continue to thrive in this company because our culture will continue to differentiate us,” Greg said. “Just like Sam, we are all in.”
Being all in is what happens when you realize Walmart is more than it seems. It’s not just a summer job; it’s a place to grow your career. It’s not just a store or a club; it’s where half a billion items are curated to meet the needs of customers around the world.
Who knew? We did.
Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner kept the momentum going with a simple but powerful question: “Who knew?”
That question became the launchpad for a bold new marketing campaign designed to challenge outdated perceptions and shine a light on everything Walmart delivers today — from under-an-hour delivery to world-class supply chain operations, industry-leading benefits, and free education and skills training.
It’s a reminder that there's more to Walmart than many people realize. And the best way the world gets to know us is through the way our associates live our values.
Reimagining retail
As the program continued, Sam’s Club CEO Chris Nicholas offered a look ahead — and a challenge to Sam’s Club associates to reimagine the future of retail.
The goal? to be the world’s best club retailer. And the key? Associates.
“The future we are building isn’t just for our members, he said. “It’s for all of you. You are what makes this company someplace truly special,” he said. “A place where you can form lifelong relationships with a community of people who support you and encourage you, who believe in your dreams and help you achieve them.”
Connected to community
Kath McLay, CEO of Walmart International, also spoke of community: “Walmart sees things differently, not through the eyes of a retailer, but the eyes of a community member.”
We see this community spirit everywhere we are — from China where micro-fulfillment centers called Clouds get goods to customers faster, to Chile where the Walmart Foundation gave $1 million to recover what was lost in devastating wildfires. “Being connected to our communities is what makes Walmart, Walmart,” Kath said.
She tied this to the African philosophy of ubuntu. “It means humanity to others. And the philosophy behind it is this: I am what I am because of who we all are. I can’t think of anything that better reflects our purpose and values.”
What we’re taking into the future
As the morning drew to a close, no one was better suited to introduce Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon than Charles Childers and June Davenport of Cullman, Alabama. When the 40-year associates started at Distribution Center 6006, freight was delivered by train, and everything was handwritten. Now, their DC is being upgraded using the latest automation technology, and these longtime associates are here for it.
“We’re an ‘and’ company. We love people and we’re tech powered,” Doug said. “We’ll use technology to do some amazing things, but it’s our humanity that will differentiate us.” The associates at DC 6006 know better than most that “our only constant is change.”
Reflecting on our past, Doug focused on what we’re bringing into our future: our enduring values, culture and our purpose to help people save money and live better. “It motivates me, and I know it motivates you,” he said.
Doug painted a picture of what’s next — a future where Walmart anticipates our customers’ and members’ needs before they walk through our doors or sign into our apps. Where we help keep their fridges stocked based on habits and preferences, and where personalized experiences meet everyday low prices.
Yet, for all the innovation ahead, one thing stays the same: our commitment to making life better for the people we serve.
And when your purpose is to make life better, growth follows. In fiscal year 2025, that purpose helped fuel $681 billion in global revenue — but more importantly, it’s fueling opportunities for people to build better lives.
“We’re so proud of the careers you’re building,” Doug said, touching on the company’s investment in healthcare and retirement benefits and education opportunities like Live Better U and our Associate-to-Technician program.
“We’re just getting started. We’re still building momentum. So where do we go from here?” Doug asked. Wherever we go next, we know what we’re taking with us: “Our purpose, our culture and our values.”
