Who Owns Basic Care?
Basic Care is owned by Walmart and operates as the company's private label healthcare brand. Basic Care provides affordable alternatives to national brands while maintaining quality standards that Walmart customers expect across health and beauty categories.
Parent Company
Walmart Inc.
Acquired
2017
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
Who Owns Basic Care?
- Parent Company: Walmart Inc.
- Ownership Type: Subsidiary
- Acquisition Year: 2017
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: WMT
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Care | Walmart Inc. | Subsidiary |
History of Basic Care
- Founded: 2017
- Founders: Walmart (internal development)
- Acquired by Walmart Inc.: 2017
Basic Care was launched by Walmart in 2017 as part of the company's strategic initiative to strengthen its private label offerings in health and personal care categories. The brand was introduced to provide customers with affordable alternatives to national brands while maintaining quality standards that Walmart customers expect.
The launch came as part of Walmart's broader private label expansion, which includes other successful brands like Great Value (groceries), Equate (health and beauty), and Mainstays (home goods). Basic Care was positioned to compete directly with store brands from other major retailers like CVS Health, Target's Up & Up, and Amazon's Solimo.
Since its introduction, Basic Care has expanded rapidly across hundreds of SKUs covering everything from basic first aid supplies to personal care essentials. The brand has benefited from Walmart's massive distribution network and strategic shelf placement in Walmart stores nationwide.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Basic Care gained significant market share as consumers sought more affordable healthcare options and faced shortages of national brand products. The brand's value proposition resonated strongly with budget-conscious shoppers during this period, accelerating its growth.
About Walmart Inc.
What does Walmart own?
Walmart Inc. owns and operates Walmart discount stores, Walmart Supercenters, Walmart Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club warehouse clubs in the United States. Internationally, Walmart owns a majority stake in Flipkart, India's leading e-commerce platform; Walmart Mexico (Walmex), the largest retailer in Mexico; Walmart Canada; and operations in Central America, Chile, China, and other markets. Walmart also owns Walmart+, its subscription membership service, and Walmart Connect, its retail media advertising network.
Is Walmart publicly traded?
Yes, Walmart Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker WMT. The company has been publicly listed since 1970. The Walton family, descendants of founder Sam Walton, collectively hold approximately 46% of Walmart's shares through Walton Enterprises LLC and other entities, giving them effective control over the company. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders.
Who founded Walmart?
Walmart was founded by Sam Walton, who opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas on July 2, 1962. Walton had previously operated Ben Franklin variety stores as a franchisee and had developed a deep understanding of retail operations. His concept was to offer a wide range of merchandise at consistently low prices in smaller towns underserved by larger retailers. Sam Walton died in April 1992 at the age of 74. The Walton family continues to hold a controlling stake in the company.
Where is Walmart headquartered?
Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, USA, where the company has been based since its founding. The company's global headquarters and principal executive offices are located in Bentonville. Walmart operates more than 10,500 stores and clubs across more than 20 countries, with its largest concentration of stores in the United States.
How many stores does Walmart operate?
Walmart operates more than 10,500 stores and clubs across more than 20 countries. In the United States, Walmart operates approximately 4,600 stores under the Walmart banner and approximately 600 Sam's Club locations. Internationally, Walmart operates stores in Mexico, Canada, China, Central America, Chile, and other markets, and holds a majority stake in Flipkart, India's leading e-commerce platform.
Who owns Walmart?
Walmart Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE, but the Walton family holds a controlling interest of approximately 46% of shares through Walton Enterprises LLC and other entities. The Walton family, descendants of founder Sam Walton, are among the wealthiest families in the world as a result of this stake. The remaining approximately 54% of shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders. Doug McMillon serves as President and CEO.
- Founded: 1962
- Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: WMT
- Revenue: approximately $681 billion (FY2025, year ended January 31, 2025)
- Employees: Approximately 2.1 million
Where Is Basic Care Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Various international locations
Basic Care Sustainability & Ethics
Basic Care operates under Walmart's comprehensive sustainability framework, which includes responsible sourcing, environmental initiatives, and ethical business practices. As a private label brand, Basic Care's sustainability considerations encompass product manufacturing, packaging materials, and the environmental impact of affordable healthcare products.
Walmart has implemented significant environmental programs across its supply chain, including manufacturing facilities that produce Basic Care products. The company has committed to achieving 100% renewable energy for its operations by 2035 and becoming carbon neutral by 2040. Basic Care manufacturing partners participate in these sustainability initiatives, implementing energy-efficient production processes and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Packaging sustainability is another key focus area. Walmart has pledged to make all private label packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025 and to reduce plastic waste across all product categories. Basic Care packaging has been optimized to reduce material usage while maintaining product safety and quality, with increased use of recycled materials and sustainable packaging designs.
The company has implemented supplier responsibility programs that ensure ethical manufacturing practices across Basic Care production facilities. These programs include worker safety standards, fair labor practices, and environmental compliance monitoring to ensure that Basic Care products are manufactured responsibly.
Walmart faces ongoing scrutiny regarding labor practices and supply chain ethics. As a major retailer, Walmart has implemented various programs to address worker safety, fair wages, and ethical sourcing across its supply chain, though challenges remain in ensuring consistent standards across all manufacturing partners.
Awards & Recognition
Basic Care has received recognition primarily as part of Walmart's private label success rather than as an independent brand achievement. The recognition focuses on the brand's contribution to affordable healthcare access and private label innovation.
- Private Label Excellence Recognition: Basic Care has been recognized within the retail industry as a successful example of private label development in the healthcare category, demonstrating how major retailers can effectively compete with national brands through quality store brands.
- Affordability Innovation Recognition: The brand's role in making healthcare products more affordable has been acknowledged by consumer advocacy groups and healthcare access organizations for improving access to essential health and personal care products.
- Walmart Private Label Portfolio Recognition: As part of Walmart's successful private label strategy, Basic Care contributes to the company's recognition as having one of the most comprehensive and successful store brand portfolios in the retail industry.
- Consumer Value Recognition: Basic Care has received positive recognition from consumer organizations and value-focused publications for providing quality products at significantly lower prices than national brands.
- Market Share Achievement: The brand's growth and market penetration in the healthcare private label segment has been recognized as a significant achievement in the competitive retail landscape.
Basic Care Recalls & Controversies
Basic Care has faced relatively few major controversies, primarily related to product quality comparisons and the broader challenges facing Walmart's private label strategy and retail practices.
Product Quality Comparisons: Basic Care has faced questions about product quality and efficacy compared to national brands, particularly in healthcare categories where consumers may be more cautious about using store brands for medical and personal care products.
Supply Chain Labor Issues: As part of Walmart's broader supply chain, Basic Care products have been subject to scrutiny regarding labor practices and working conditions at manufacturing facilities, reflecting ongoing concerns about retail supply chain ethics.
Competition with National Brands: Basic Care has faced competitive pressure from national brand manufacturers who may question the quality or safety of private label alternatives, creating marketing and perception challenges in some product categories.
Environmental Impact Questions: As a mass-market consumer brand, Basic Care products have faced questions about environmental sustainability, particularly regarding packaging waste and the environmental impact of mass-produced consumer goods.
Pricing and Value Perception: While positioned as affordable, Basic Care has faced questions about whether the cost savings come at the expense of product quality or ethical manufacturing practices, reflecting broader debates about private label value propositions.
Availability Limitations: Basic Care's exclusive availability through Walmart channels has been criticized by consumers who may prefer to purchase healthcare products through other retail channels or who live in areas without convenient Walmart access.
Innovation Limitations: Basic Care has been criticized for limited product innovation compared to national brands that invest heavily in research and development, potentially limiting the brand's ability to offer advanced formulations or cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
Brands Owned by Walmart Inc.
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- Durabrand - Walmart's private label electronics brand originally launched in 1999, offering ...
- Equate - Walmart's flagship health and beauty private label brand with 75% U.S. household...
- Fabuloso - Walmart-owned multipurpose cleaner brand offering affordable and effective clean...
- Flipkart - Indian e-commerce platform owned by Walmart, offering online retail, electronics...
- Freshness Guaranteed - Walmart's fresh produce and perishable foods brand offering quality fruits, vege...
- George - Walmart's flagship clothing brand offering affordable and stylish apparel for me...
- Great Value - Walmart's private label brand offering affordable groceries and household produc...
- Mainstays - Walmart's primary private label brand offering affordable home furniture, beddin...
- Marketside - Walmart's fresh and prepared foods brand offering restaurant-quality deli items,...
- Ol' Roy - Walmart's private label dog food brand offering affordable dry and canned dog fo...
- onn - Walmart's private label consumer electronics brand offering affordable TVs, tabl...
- Parent's Choice - Walmart's private label baby products brand offering affordable diapers, wipes, ...
- Pen+Gear - Walmart's private label office supplies brand offering affordable paper, writing...
- The Pioneer Woman - Licensed kitchenware and home decor brand created by Ree Drummond, featuring rus...
- Protective - Walmart's private label cleaning supplies brand offering affordable household cl...
- Pure Balance - Walmart's pet food brand offering natural and nutritious food options for dogs a...
- Sam's Choice - Walmart's premium private label brand offering higher-quality groceries, beverag...
- Scoop - Walmart's laundry detergent brand offering affordable and effective cleaning sol...
- Simply Basic - Walmart's private label brand offering essential personal care and beauty produc...
- Spring Valley - Walmart's private label brand offering vitamins, supplements, and herbal product...
- Terra & Sky - Walmart's plus-size women's clothing brand offering stylish and comfortable appa...
- Time and Tru - Walmart's women's clothing brand offering stylish and affordable apparel with a ...
- Wonder Nation - Walmart's children's clothing brand offering durable, comfortable, and stylish a...
Basic Care Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Significantly lower prices compared to national brands across all categories
- +Wide availability through thousands of Walmart stores and online platforms
- +Quality assurance backed by Walmart's standards and return policies
- +Large product selection covering most health and personal care needs
- +Trusted Walmart brand reputation and customer service
- +Often contains the same active ingredients as more expensive national brands
- +Strong value proposition for budget-conscious shoppers and families
Considerations
- -Limited availability outside Walmart's retail and online ecosystem
- -May lack advanced features and premium formulations of national brands
- -Packaging and marketing presentation less sophisticated than name brands
- -Some consumers prefer established brand names for healthcare products
- -Limited innovation and new product development compared to national brands
- -Product availability may vary between different Walmart locations
- -Dependency on Walmart's sourcing decisions and quality control processes
Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Care
Sources & Further Reading
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to Basic Care
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Health | USA | 1930 | Mass Market | North America | Male |
Learn More About Competitors
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Basic Care competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Walmart Inc. Stock Information
Jobs at Walmart Inc.
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