Final answer:
Walmart's exit from the German market was influenced by competition with hard discounters like Aldi, focusing on efficiency and low prices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walmart's exit from the German market was due in part to German shoppers finding lower prices at hard discounters. These discount stores offer goods at significantly reduced prices due to various cost-saving measures, appealing to price-sensitive consumers. Wal-Mart's business model often faced criticism for its potential negative impact on local economies by outcompeting smaller, locally owned businesses, thus leading to what some observers call 'the Wal-Martization of the economy'. In contrast, stores like Aldi, a multinational chain of grocery stores, have successfully operated in various markets including Germany, thanks to their focus on efficiency and low-cost offerings.