Inside Rs 6.4 Lakh Crore Empire Of Walmart Heiress And World's Second Richest Woman, Alice Walton

Ever wondered what it's like to be one of the richest people in the world? Now, take that thought a step further: what would it be like to be one of the wealthiest heiresses ever? Few can truly imagine that kind of life. This is the world of Alice Walton, the billionaire heiress to the Walmart fortune. She has amassed incredible wealth and continues to do so. But who exactly is Alice Walton? How did she build her impressive net worth? Join us as we explore her life, achievements, and the path she took to become one of the most influential and affluent women in the world. Read on to uncover the story of Alice Walton.

Who is Alice Walton?

Alice Walton

Alice Louise Walton was born on October 7, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas. She is the youngest of four children and the only daughter of Sam and Helen Walton. Her father, Sam Walton, opened Walton’s Five and Dime Store in Bentonville, Arkansas, before creating Walmart, which revolutionised the retail industry globally. Alice grew up in Bentonville and attended public schools there. In this article let's learn more about the world's second richest woman, from her net worth to the expensive things owns by her:

Education

Alice Walton graduated from Bentonville High School in 1966 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

Philanthropy

Alice Walton is known for her philanthropic efforts in education, healthcare, and the arts. She supports various initiatives through the Alice L. Walton Foundation and the Whole Health Institute. She also contributes to the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville.

Personal Life

Alice Walton has been married and divorced twice. Despite personal challenges, she continues to be dedicated to her philanthropic work and her love for art.

Family

Alice's brothers, Jim Walton and Rob Walton, are also among the richest people in the world, ranking just ahead of her on the Forbes list.

Net Worth

As of early 2024, Alice Walton has a net worth of $77 billion (Approx Rs 6,409,317,838,000) as of today, May 22 in Forbes, making her the 21st richest person in the world and the second richest woman. Her wealth has increased significantly over the past few years due to a rise in Walmart's share price.

Business

Alice Walton has had a diverse career. Early on, she worked as an equity analyst and money manager. She founded the Llama Company, an investment bank, in 1988, though it closed in 1998. Alice was also instrumental in developing the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and was inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2001. She is the founder and former chairperson of the board of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, which opened in 2011.

House

In New York City, Alice purchased a luxurious two-floor condo on Park Avenue for $25 million in 2014. The condo boasts over 52 large windows with views of Central Park, a media room, a winding staircase, and more than 6,000 square feet of space.

Awards

Alice Walton

Alice Walton has received numerous honors and recognitions. She has been inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame, the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame. The University of Arkansas (UA) in Fayetteville awarded her an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters. In 1996, UA established the Alice L. Walton Chair in Finance. She served as the first chair of the Northwest Arkansas Council and was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine. TIME magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012. In 2020, she received the Getty Medal from the J. Paul Getty Trust for her contributions to the arts.

Here are some more interesting things about Alice Walton

Alice Walton, the billionaire heiress to the Walmart fortune, has charted a unique path distinct from the family business. From a young age, Alice developed a deep love for art. At just 10 years old, she bought her first artwork, a reproduction of Picasso's "Blue Nude," for about $2, as she recounted to The New Yorker. This early passion grew into an immense private collection, featuring original pieces by renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keeffe.

In 2011, Alice opened the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, to showcase her impressive $500 million art collection. Her dedication to the arts extends beyond her collection; she is actively involved in various prestigious art institutions. She serves on the advisory council for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, has been a board member of the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Trustees’ Council of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. She was also the inaugural chairperson for the Northwest Arkansas Council.

Alice's interests are not limited to art. She breeds horses and owned the Rocking W Ranch in Millsap, Texas, which she sold in 2017. The ranch, which had over 250 acres of pasture and facilities for cattle and horses, was initially listed at $19.75 million but sold after being reduced to $16.5 million. Another of her properties, a 4,416-acre Texas ranch, was listed at a reduced price of $22 million. Additionally, she owns a modest three-bedroom, two-bathroom home overlooking the Brazos River.

Alice has also made significant philanthropic contributions. In January 2016, she donated 3.7 million shares of Walmart stock, valued at about $225 million at the time, to the Walton Family Foundation, continuing her family's legacy of giving.

Alice Walton's life is a blend of art, philanthropy, and extraordinary wealth. She is currently a member of the advisory council for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. Over the years, she has served on the board of the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Trustees’ Council of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. She was also the inaugural chairperson for the Northwest Arkansas Council.

Alice Walton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity University and holds an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters from the University of Arkansas. Her involvement in these prestigious institutions highlights her commitment to the arts and her influence in the cultural world.

How rich Is the Walmart family?

The combined wealth of the Walmart heirs—including founder Sam Walton's children Rob, Jim, and Alice, as well as his late son John's wife, Christy, and their son Lukas—totals around $240 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. While some of the heirs are involved in the family business, such as serving on the company board or managing the family's wealth, others have pursued their personal passions.

Sam Walton, the visionary behind Walmart and Sam's Club, ensured his family's financial success by dividing the ownership of the company before his death. Though Sam was not known for a flashy lifestyle, his children live more lavishly now, reflecting their immense wealth.

Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962. Today, the Walton family's influence extends far beyond retail. Here's a glimpse into how they spend their fortune:

• Alice Walton: Alice has dedicated herself to the arts. She opened the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, to house her impressive $500 million art collection. She also breeds horses and has owned expansive ranches in Texas. In New York City, she owns a luxurious condo on Park Avenue.
• Rob and Jim Walton: Both have been more involved in the family business. Rob has served as the chairman of Walmart's board, and Jim has played a significant role in managing the family's wealth through various ventures.
• Christy and Lukas Walton: They have continued the legacy of philanthropy and investment in diverse areas, contributing to the family's significant influence.