Some of the best learning happens when you read stories about real people and real companies. Read them for ideas, for lessons, and inspiration. This week’s stories and strategies from real life are about Hubert White menswear, Uber, Katz’s Delicatessen, DePuy Synthes, and WalMart.

From John Ewoldt: Hubert White celebrates a century in business

“As Hubert White menswear turns 100, its longevity can be traced to staff, luck and a willingness to expand beyond suits and ties.”

From Patrick May: A sprawling network of startups pops up in Uber’s wake

“While Uber to most of its users is a convenient way to get across town, the ride-hailing behemoth is more like a blank canvas to young entrepreneur James Bellefeuille. And on that canvas, right there on the tablet he wants to put within reach of every Uber passenger, are revenue-generating advertisements for bars, restaurants and even dental offices.”

From Gary M. Stern: Katz’s Delicatessen owner Jake Dell honors tradition, adapts to times

“When Samsung shot a TV commercial to illustrate its new mobile payment system in early 2016, it filmed it at one of the most old-fashioned eateries in New York: Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side. Despite the iconic eatery’s preserving its décor for decades, that fact that it employs mobile payment shows that it adapts to modern times.”

From Jill Jusko: At DePuy Synthes, Customer Focus Keeps Continuous Improvement at the Forefront

“This manufacturer of implants relies on engaged employees, rigorous processes and servant leadership to build better body parts.”

From Shelly Banjo: Analysis: Wal-Mart’s first-ever sales drop marks the end of an era

“Wal-Mart is clearly having trouble adapting its gigantic stores to the Internet age. To be sure, it is a retail juggernaut that brings in half a trillion dollars (yes, that’s right, trillion) in sales every year. And with more than 11,500 stores in 28 countries, there’s no way it will disappear anytime soon. Still, Wal-Mart might have just hit its growth limit.”