Inside Walmart’s Masterclass in Reputation Rehab: Beth Kowitt

A decade ago, Walmart Inc. was among the most reviled companies in America.

It was criticized for wiping out mom-and-pop retailers; for not paying its workers enough while making its founding family, the Waltons, one of the richest in the US; for creating a culture of cheap, disposable goods. It was so detested that communities rallied to keep Walmart stores out of their backyards.

Today, the company is no longer corporate America’s No. 1 bogeyman. And when Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon steps down at the end of January, the rehabilitation of Walmart’s reputation will go down as one of ...