The world�s biggest retailer enjoyed robust profits overseas, but continued struggling at home with weak sales and public relations debacles. For fiscal year 2011, Wal-Mart saw operating income rise by 6.4% to more than $25 billion. But while the Bentonville, AR-based chain saw gains abroad, executives found it harder to lure U.S. shoppers.

The chain saw foot traffic decline, and Wal-Mart tried to bring back shoppers pinched by high unemployment and gas prices. The company also began opening 40 smaller �Walmart Express� stores in rural and urban areas.

Beyond sales, the chain also struggled with a shaky public image. In June 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a discrimination lawsuit accusing the retailer of favoring men over women in promotions and pay. While executives may have breathed a sigh of relief, Wal-Mart suffered another blow when U.S. lawmakers launched an investigation in April 2012 following allegations of bribery at the chain�s Mexican affiliate. � Nin-Hai Tseng, writer