FOOD NEWS
Why Walmart Failed When It Opened In Germany
by CHASE SHUSTACK
In the final years of the '90s, Walmart attempted to bring old-fashioned American productivity, low prices, and efficiency to the German public.
Unfortunately, Walmart had to say ‘auf wiedersehen’ to its grand plans by 2006 because its American values simply didn't fit into German culture.
Walmart’s “employee motivation training,” like team-building exercises outside the store, may have come across as too regimented and silly.
German people were also uncomfortable with Walmart employees smiling at them so much. Most Germans reserve smiles for close friends and family.
Lastly, Walmart’s ethics codes, which require employees to monitor each other in case of misconduct, were not well received in Germany.