The term “Top-Level Domain (TLD)” refers to the last segment of a domain name, or the part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. Top-Level Domains are categorized into gTLDs (generic TLDs), ccTLDs (Country code TLDs), and sTLDs (sponsored TLDs). Examples of TLDs include .com, .org, .net, .edu, and .gov.
The TLD .WALMART, however, does not appear to be currently available or recognized. Each TLD gives web users some idea of the identity or the function of the website to which it belongs. Theoretically, a commercial organization like Walmart could apply for a brand TLD, but at the moment, a .WALMART TLD does not exist.
The .com in “www.walmart.com,” for instance, is the TLD. This TLD .com, one of the original and most recognized TLDs, is understood to represent for-profit entities. Alternatively, non-profit organizations tend to use the .org TLD, while educational institutions use .edu. Similarly, a .WALMART TLD would presumably correspond to domains owned by the Walmart corporation or relevant to its brand.
Since 2012, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has administered an expanded program allowing organizations to apply for nearly any gTLD they want. ICANN is the organization that oversees the global domain name system. This expanded program is why you might see websites nowadays with TLDs like .google, .apple, or .microsoft. An organization like Walmart could, in theory, apply for their brand TLD like .walmart via this ICANN program.
Despite the potential advantages, the process of applying for a new gTLD isn’t straightforward or cheap, costing upwards of $185,000 just for the application, and then running ongoing costs after that (source: ICANN). It would require significant resources to obtain and maintain. This could be why many corporations, including Walmart, have not applied for their own brand TLDs, opting to stick with the traditional .com instead.
In conclusion, while .WALMART as a TLD is a theoretical possibility, as of now it doesn’t exist. Walmart utilizes various other popular TLDs like .com for its different websites around the world.
Sources:
ICANN. (n.d.). New gTLD Program.
Available: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/overview
Webopedia. (n.d.). What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?
Available: https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/top-level-domain/
Verisign. (n.d.). Domain Name Overview.
Available: https://www.verisign.com/en\_US/domain-names/overview/index.xhtml
Walmart. (n.d.). Official Website.
Available: https://www.walmart.com/
