You type “walmart supercenter near me” into your phone and hit enter. A list appears — hours, phone number, maybe a pharmacy. It looks simple, but those results actually reveal a sprawling global operation, complete with internal emergency codes and a surprising gap across Europe.

Walmart Supercenters in the US: 3,572 (as of 2023) ·
Global stores: 10,500+ ·
Year first Walmart opened: 1962 ·
Countries with Walmart presence: 24

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Walmart has no stores in Ireland or Germany (Walmart Corporate)
  • Walmart is larger than Costco by store count and revenue (Walmart Corporate)
  • Code black is an internal emergency alert (Walmart Big Rapids)
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • First Walmart opened in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas (Walmart Corporate)
  • Largest Walmart Supercenter spans over 260,000 square feet (Walmart Big Rapids)
4What’s next
  • Check weekly ad online for deals (Walmart Weekly Ad)
  • Use store locator to find services like Pharmacy and Grocery Pickup (Walmart Store Finder)

Here is a summary of five key facts about Walmart that every shopper should know.

Five key facts about Walmart that every shopper should know.
Headquarters Bentonville, Arkansas
Founded 1962
CEO Doug McMillon
Number of employees 2.1 million
Stock ticker WMT

The pattern: Walmart’s headquarters in Arkansas anchors a retail empire that spans 24 countries and employs over 2 million people.

Are there Walmart stores in Europe?

Walmart’s European footprint is thin. The company exited Germany in 2006 after struggling against local discounters like Aldi and Lidl. As of 2025, Walmart operates in the United Kingdom under the Asda brand (partially owned by EG Group) and in a handful of other countries, but not in mainland Europe. Let’s unpack the specifics for Ireland and Germany.

Is there any Walmart store in Ireland?

No. Walmart has never opened a store in the Republic of Ireland. The dominant grocery chain is Tesco, which operates over 150 stores across the country. For anyone searching “walmart supercenter near me” in Ireland, the nearest equivalent is a Tesco Extra.

Is there a Walmart in Germany?

Walmart entered Germany in 1998 through acquisitions but closed all 85 stores by 2006. Analysts from Reuters (news wire) cite cultural missteps and stiff competition as key reasons. Shoppers looking for a Walmart-style experience in Germany turn to Real (now owned by SCP Group) or Kaufland.

What is the equivalent of Walmart in Ireland?

Tesco (leading Irish grocery chain) is the closest match. It offers grocery, clothing, electronics, and pharmacies. The chain has over 150 locations nationwide, many open 8am-10pm daily.

Can I order from Walmart to Ireland?

Walmart.com ships internationally through a parcel forwarding address, but not directly to Irish addresses. Residents can use services like MyUS or AddressPal to receive orders in the US and forward them to Ireland.

The upshot

Irish shoppers face a real gap: no Walmart stores and no direct online shipping. The workaround — parcel forwarding — adds cost and time, making local chains like Tesco a far more practical choice.

The implication: for European consumers, Walmart’s absence means relying on strong local alternatives rather than a single global brand.

Where is the biggest Walmart Supercenter?

The largest Walmart Supercenter in the United States — and the world — is located in Albany, New York. It spans over 260,000 square feet, roughly the size of four football fields. The store stocks everything from groceries to auto parts and includes a full-service pharmacy.

The pattern: bigger stores tend to be in suburban areas with ample parking and high population density. The Albany location is a regional hub drawing customers from across the Capital District.

The catch: while Albany holds the title, square footage numbers may vary by source, so exact comparisons are tricky.

Is the Walmart Supercenter near me open?

Store hours vary by location, but a typical Walmart Supercenter is open from 6am to 11pm every day of the week. Let’s break down the most common questions.

What is the phone number of a Walmart Supercenter near me?

Phone numbers differ for each store. For example, the Big Rapids, Michigan Supercenter can be reached at 231-796-1443 (Walmart Big Rapids), while the Rockwall, Texas store uses 972-771-8309 (Walmart Rockwall). Use the Walmart Store Finder (locator tool) to get the correct number.

Is there a Walmart Pharmacy near me?

Most Supercenters have a pharmacy. Pharmacy hours often differ from store hours. For instance, the Arlington, Texas pharmacy is open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm and Sun 11am-5pm (Walmart Arlington), while the Fort Worth Oakmont location runs Mon-Sun 9am-7pm (Walmart Fort Worth). Always check the individual store page for the most accurate times.

Is there a Walmart Neighborhood Market near me?

Walmart Neighborhood Markets are smaller grocery-focused stores, typically open 6am-11pm as well. To find one, use the Walmart Store Finder (locator tool) and filter by “Neighborhood Market.”

What is the weekly ad for a Walmart Supercenter near me?

Walmart’s weekly ad is available online at Walmart Weekly Ad Sales (dedicated category page). It updates every Wednesday and features deals on groceries, electronics, home goods, and seasonal items. Many store pages also display a “Weekly Specials” prompt.

Is there a 24-hour Walmart near me?

While many Supercenters operated 24 hours before the COVID-19 pandemic, most now close by 11pm. A few locations remain open 24 hours, but these are increasingly rare. Use the store locator to check specific hours.

The catch

Don’t assume every store follows the 6am-11pm pattern. The same chain can have different hours within the same metro area — as seen in the Texas examples — so always verify on the store’s official page before heading out.

Bottom line: The pattern: store hours are not uniform even within a single city, making the store locator an essential tool for accurate information.

What is a code black at Walmart?

Walmart uses a color-coded internal alert system for emergencies. “Code black” signals a severe weather event or a security threat that requires immediate action. It is part of a broader set of codes (code white for a medical emergency, code red for fire, etc.). These codes are used by associates and are not typically announced to customers. The existence of code black is confirmed by multiple store pages that reference emergency procedures.

The implication: behind the simple store locator search lies an operational system designed for safety and efficiency, not just for customers but for employees.

Who is bigger, Walmart or Costco?

By raw numbers, Walmart dwarfs Costco. Walmart operates over 10,500 stores globally (including Sam’s Club), while Costco has about 870 warehouses. Walmart’s total revenue exceeds $600 billion annually; Costco’s is around $240 billion. However, Costco generates higher average revenue per store — roughly $290 million vs. Walmart’s $100 million per Supercenter. This difference reflects Costco’s membership model and higher basket sizes.

Is there a Costco in Ireland?

No. Costco does not operate in Ireland. The nearest Costco warehouses are in the UK (locations in Glasgow, Birmingham, and others). For bulk-buy shopping, Irish residents turn to Musgrave’s “Cash & Carry” or online alternatives.

The trade-off

Walmart wins on convenience and price across broad categories, but Costco’s per-store sales show you can do more with less space. For investors, the choice is between scale (WMT) and efficiency (COST).

The implication: for consumers in Ireland, neither Walmart nor Costco operates, so the local bulk-buy options are the only game in town.

How to find a Walmart Supercenter near you

  1. Go to the Walmart Store Finder (locator tool) — it automatically detects your location or lets you enter a city/zip code.
  2. Browse the list of nearby stores. Each entry shows distance, address, phone number, and hours.
  3. Click on a store to get detailed information: pharmacy hours, sensory-friendly hours, weekly deals, and services like Grocery Pickup.
  4. Call the store directly if you need to confirm stock — store pages explicitly invite customers to call for inventory questions (Walmart Big Rapids).
  5. Bookmark the store page for quick access to the weekly ad and future hours updates.

What we know for sure

Confirmed facts

  • Walmart has no stores in Ireland or Germany.
  • Walmart is larger than Costco by store count and revenue.
  • Code black is an internal emergency alert.
  • Standard store hours are 6am-11pm across the locations we examined.
  • Pharmacy hours consistently differ from general store hours.

What’s unclear

  • Exact square footage of the largest Supercenter may vary by source.
  • Whether any Walmart Supercenter in the US still operates 24 hours is unconfirmed at a national level.

For the shopper in Ireland or across Europe, the absence of Walmart means leaning on strong local alternatives like Tesco. For the American shopper, the store locator is a reliable tool — as long as you double-check the fine print on services and hours. The next time you search “walmart supercenter near me”, you’ll know exactly how to get what you need: the hours, the pharmacy, the weekly ad, and even a glimpse into Walmart’s global footprint. For Irish consumers, the choice is clear: use parcel forwarding as a workaround for US-only deals, or enjoy the convenience of Tesco’s local network.

Frequently asked questions

Does Walmart Supercenter offer grocery pickup?

Yes. Most Supercenters provide free grocery pickup. You order online and choose a pickup time slot.

What are the typical opening hours on Sundays?

Most Supercenters are open 6am-11pm on Sundays, though some locations may open later. Check your local store page.

Can I return online orders at a Supercenter?

Yes. Any item bought at Walmart.com can be returned to a Supercenter with the receipt or order confirmation.

Does Walmart Supercenter have a vision center?

Many Supercenters include a Vision Center with optometry services. Use the store finder to check availability.

How do I find the nearest Supercenter?

Use the Walmart Store Finder (locator tool) and enter your address or zip code.