Amazon strives to be Earth's most customer-centric company where people can find and discover virtually anything they want to buy online. By giving customers more of what they want - low prices, vast selection, and convenience - Amazon continues to grow and evolve as a world-class e-commerce platform.
Founded by Jeff Bezos, the Amazon.com website started in 1995 as a place to buy books because of the unique customer experience the Web could offer book lovers. Bezos believed that only the Internet could offer customers the convenience of browsing a selection of millions of book titles in a single sitting. During the first 30 days of business, Amazon fulfilled orders for customers in 50 states and 45 countries - all shipped from his Seattle-area garage.
Amazon's evolution from Web site to e-commerce partner to development platform is driven by the spirit of innovation that is part of the company's DNA. The world's brightest technology minds come to Amazon.com to research and develop technology that improves the lives of shoppers and sellers around the world.
More than 60 years ago, Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas. Today, we’re a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer dedicated to helping people save money and live better all around the world.
Our 2.1 million associates are the engine behind what we do — serving customers and members in communities spanning 19 countries, in stores and clubs, online and through a supply chain built for speed and scale.
We’re committed to creating clear pathways for associates to learn, grow and advance. Whether you’re starting your first job or bringing years of experience, you’ll find room to grow, learn new skills and build a career with purpose. We’re proud to invest in our people and foster a culture grounded in respect, integrity, service and striving for excellence.
Recognized as a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® (2025) and Great Place To Work®-Certified™ , we’re proud of what we’re building together.
In 1939, Joe Albertson, a former Safeway district manager, took $5,000 he saved and $7,500 he borrowed from his wife’s Aunt Bertie, and partnered with L.S. Skaggs to open his first Albertsons store on 16th and State Streets in Boise, Idaho. Joe knew the keys of running a really great store, and it was all about working hard for the customers: give them the products they want, at a fair price, with lots of tender, loving care. Joe was innovative, too. He had one of the first in-store magazine racks in the country along with a scratch bakery and fresh ice cream made in store. He worked hard, seven days a week on his vision to build his company, and through his inspiring work ethic and tireless determination to run the best store, the first store thrived. Just two years later, he had opened two other stores in neighboring communities, and grew the fledgling company’s sales to over $1 million by the end of 1941.
Today, Albertsons operates as a banner of Albertsons Companies, one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States.