The two most important words I ever wrote were on that first Wal-Mart sign, ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed’. They're still up there, and they have made all the difference.

I was asked what I thought about the recession. I thought about it and decided not to take part.

The secret of successful retailing is to give your customers what they want. And really, if you think about it from the point of view of the customer, you want everything: a wide assortment of good quality merchandise; the lowest possible prices; guaranteed satisfaction with what you buy; friendly, knowledgeable service; convenient hours; free parking; a pleasant shopping experience.

Leaders must always put their people before themselves. If you do that, your business will take care of itself.

Lose your smile and lose your customers.

Focus on something the customer wants, and then deliver it.

Communicate everything you can to your associates. The more they know, the more they care. Once they care, there is no stopping them.