Walmart expanded rapidly, especially during the 80s and 90s, where it came under fire for virtually obliterating local business in many small towns around the US. It also expanded into Canada and Mexico, and opened its first Walmart Supercenter in Missouri, in 1988. Walmart's toy department began outselling Toys "R" Us in the late 90s, and the company expanded further, opening outlets in the UK, Brazil, Japan, India and Argentina, among other countries. The Walmart Corporation also owns the Sam's Club chain of membership stores. More than half of Walmart's total sales are grocery items, rather than clothes, toys, or electronics. As of 2012, there are 8,500 Walmart stores spread out over 15 countries. The store has a one, or more, branches in every state and Puerto Rico, and currently employs 2.2 million people. The company is still owned by the Walton family.
