Associates: Thank you for 35 years

Dear Associates,

As my time as CEO ends, I wanted to write one final thank you note — to you — and I want to encourage you as it relates to the future.

From my first summer in 1984 working in Warehouse 2, I knew Walmart was a special place. I quickly learned that the people here care deeply about the company and about serving others. As time moved on, so did the number of people I met, all over the world, who bring our culture to life. People who embody our values of respect, integrity, service, and excellence through everyday actions and who believe in our purpose of helping people save money and live better. The sweetest part of these last few weeks has been an even more intense realization that we’re a team with each one of us doing our part. I can see that our people make the difference in vivid color, whether that’s in our daily routines or the extraordinary days like those we experienced during the pandemic, after a natural disaster or after some other tragedy. So many of you have stepped up and done amazing things. So many of you go the extra mile and do the big and little things that make the difference. And I know that will continue because that’s who you are. That’s who we are.

While change has been a healthy constant throughout our history, we can stay grounded on our purpose, values and culture. As you take ownership, understand what's important, nurture and strengthen that, and are willing to change just about everything else, there will be no limit to what you all can do next. When I joined the home office in the 1990s, I remember hearing David Glass say, “We're just getting started.” And inside, I would wonder how that could be true when the company had already accomplished so much. But after all these years, I truly feel like we are just getting started. I hope that's the way you feel, too. I hope you will fall in love with this company even more. And I hope you'll find new ways to help our company continue to be a force for good in the world. That's what Walmart is here to do. You have a very capable leader in John, and he’s surrounded by good people. He and the team care deeply about you and our business. They have a strong experience set, good hearts and sharp minds that will help chart a successful path into the future. I can’t wait to see the pages of Walmart’s story you’ll write next. I’ll be cheering for you.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible story. I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared.

With gratitude,

Doug McMillon
Proud Walmart Associate for 35 Years

As Doug steps away from his social channels, follow John Furner on LinkedIn and Instagram.