Global 500

The world’s biggest retailer enjoyed robust profits overseas, but continued struggling at home with weak sales and public relations debacles. For fiscal year 2011, Wal-Mart saw operating income rise by 6.4% to more than $25 billion. But while the Bentonville, AR-based chain saw gains abroad, executives found it harder to lure U.S. shoppers.

The chain saw foot traffic decline, and Wal-Mart tried to bring back shoppers pinched by high unemployment and gas prices. The company also began opening 40 smaller “Walmart Express” stores in rural and urban areas.

Beyond sales, the chain also struggled with a shaky public image. In June 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a discrimination lawsuit accusing the retailer of favoring men over women in promotions and pay. While executives may have breathed a sigh of relief, Wal-Mart suffered another blow when U.S. lawmakers launched an investigation in April 2012 following allegations of bribery at the chain’s Mexican affiliate. – Nin-Hai Tseng, writer