"$23.4 billion - son of wal-mart pioneer sam walton (d. 1992) and siblings, sister-in-law reclaim spot in forbes 400 top 10 after falling off last year. wal-mart shares up 45% since last september, as cash-strapped consumers head to discount-driven superstores in droves. also profiting from stake in solar-paneling outfit first solar- shares up 120% in past 12 months. sam started as j.c. penney (nyse: jcp - news - people ) clerk in 1940- opened newport, ark. five-and-dime store benjamin franklin 5 years later. lost lease in 1950. with brother james started general-store chain in bentonville, ark., 1962. today wal-mart is world's largest retailer: 7,300 stores, 2 million employees serve 200 million customers. sales: $378 billion. jim chairs arvest bank group, community publishers."
by