Introduction
Competitive advantage can be defined as a means by which a firm manages to keep making money, add value by providing distinct products and sustain its position against its competitors. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is one of such companies in the retail sector that has achieved sustainable competitive advantage over a period of time. ¬This report focuses on how Wal-Mart has achieved competitive advantage by adopting cost leadership strategy and providing consumer goods at lower prices. The report also discusses how Wal-Mart is taking lead on environmental sustainability by investing in solar power plants, offering environment friendly products in its various stores and encouraging recycling of different products. Wal-Mart’s strategies …show more content…

The company has 29 solar plants to generate energy which help to prevent about 22,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution per year. The company has also installed wind turbines which serve the 15 percent of electricity needs of about 350 stores. Wal-Mart is expecting to increase its wind electricity and is testing 17 small wind turbines at Sam’s Club in Palmdale, California.
Promoting environment friendly products
Wal-Mart is constantly putting efforts to expand its sustainable offerings by promoting healthy, affordable and sustainable products. Wal-Mart is committed to provide environment friendly products at reduced prices such as organic food items, fresh seafood, clothes made from organic cotton and many more. Wal-Mart has also started partnership with Seventh Generation, the nation’s largest brand of environmental friendly household products. As a part of their partnership, Wal-Mart will promote a variety of cleaning products from Seventh Generation such as laundry detergent, disinfecting wipes, dish soaps and all-purpose cleaners. In addition, the company works with different suppliers to educate the customers about the products that ate good for environment such as using CFL bulbs, organic fruits and vegetables, cold water detergents and many other products.
Reducing and recycle waste material
Wal-Mart is adopting different strategies to reduce the