If Cheshunt, Leeds, Holborn and Bradford are the strongholds of British grocery, harbouring the headquarters of the UK’s four largest food retailers, then Bentonville, Arkansas is the grocery capital of the world.

If Cheshunt, Leeds, Holborn and Bradford are the strongholds of British grocery, harbouring the headquarters of the UK’s four largest food retailers, then Bentonville, Arkansas is the grocery capital of the world.

The annual Walmart shareholders meeting, which takes place today (Friday), draws the world’s largest retailer’s staff, known as associates, to the town in which founder Sam Walton opened the chain’s first store in 1962. Some 4,000 US stores and more than 20 operating countries later, the yearly shindig has outgrown the tiny Arkansas town which hosts the store - now a museum. The museum itself - which features a full mock-up of Sam Walton’s office - shows how much the man,  seen as a working class hero, meant to his staff and explains the enthusiastic nature of Walmart’s culture. It also beggs the question as to why Tesco, for example, does not perhaps make more of founder Jack Cohen’s legacy.

This year’s shareholders meeting, my first, has proved typical. Last year’s controversy over bribery allegations in Mexico has been replaced by protests over the retailer’s operations in Bangladesh while a host of events for staff and executives alike ensure a packed week. Performances by Elton John and country star Luke Bryan are set to be followed up by top secret acts today among the usual business of a retail AGM.

A host of executives, from international boss Doug McMillon to global commerce chief executive Neil Ashe, have spoken about the Walmart of the future. Whether it’s the creation of a compact discount format for Latin America or using mobile in store, the retailer clearly has its eyes on growing trends and is determined to lead them.

On a personal level, the event has been as idiosyncratic and enjoyable as billed. From appearing on the front page of the local Rogers Morning News testing products at the Sam’s Club wholesale head office to taking in a Walmart Neighborhood store complete with razzle dazzle service, clever produce merchandising and a drive thru pharmacy, there’s been plenty to take in.

Perhaps the most touching moment was meeting Jahmene, the grocer’s former Swindon store staff member who went on to feature on The X Factor. Ahead of his performance at the shareholder’s meeting itself today, he met with Asda boss Andy Clarke and discussed signing his new album, due out next month, in several Asda stores. For Clarke, an impassioned believer in youth employment and bringing young talent through, Jahmene’s story will be heartening. That said, if Simon Cowell pinches any more staff, Clarke may have to have a word, or at least put up the price of Asda’s high-waisted trousers.