Walmart recently unveiled plans to open 150 large-format stores this year and upgrade existing locations, after several years since opening any.
As part of its expansion plans, Walmart plans to convert smaller locations into Supercenters while opening new Neighborhood Markets starting this spring in Santa Rosa Beach and Atlanta.
Walmart Grocery
Walmart plans to construct or convert 150 stores over the next five years, some by expanding smaller locations into Supercenters but most will involve brand new builds.
Remodels will take place to 650 stores as part of a $500 million investment to modernize its 4,700 US outposts.
Walmart is ramping up its efforts in grocery, where it has expanded market share even as competitors such as Target and Amazon become more aggressive. Their online grocery pickup service is especially appealing to time-pressed shoppers while they also test a mobile scan-and-go feature that lets customers bypass checkout lines entirely.
Foodservice
Even as consumers cut back on discretionary purchases, Walmart continues to invest in its stores. The retailer announced plans to open 12 new locations this year while also expanding one smaller store into a Supercenter, according to company statements.
Walmart’s Foodservice Department is currently exploring new ideas such as smoothie vending machines and ghost kitchens (a single kitchen that serves multiple restaurants) while expanding their reach into community restaurants. Darryl Spinks, head of Retail Services who oversees restaurant partnerships, technology, and automated services at Walmart stores says demand for restaurants within stores remains strong.
As part of its strategy to keep customers coming back, the chain is transitioning some stores to “Town Centers,” an updated take on traditional shopping centers with restaurants and spaces for community events.
Electronics
Walmart U.S. President John Furner released a staff memo explaining how it is upgrading 650 stores with improved layouts since 2021 when three new locations opened up in Miami, Ceres and Yaphank.
These additions will include expanding existing stores into larger Supercenter formats while creating many brand new outlets. In addition, the company is working on building out a nationwide network of affordable electric vehicle fast charging stations for fast EV charging needs; two remodeled stores will open their doors this spring in Santa Rosa Beach and Atlanta; overall there are already over 4,600 US outlets of this company.
Home & Garden
Walmart will resume opening new stores in the US following a three-year absence, adding over 150 large format locations and renovating another 650 with improved layouts within 12 months.
The company will also strive to make their new locations more sustainable by installing energy-efficient lighting and lower-impact refrigerants in their refrigeration systems. Two Neighborhood Markets will debut later this spring in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and Atlanta.
Walmart U.S. President John Furner revealed in a memo shared with The Wall Street Journal that construction plans are underway for 12 new projects that will begin this year, including converting one smaller location into a Supercenter while creating 11 entirely new sites.
Health & Beauty
Health and beauty stores sell cosmetics, cleansers, skincare products, healthcare goods such as over-the-counter ointments as well as vitamins and dietary supplements branded by various companies.
Retail current value sales at health and beauty specialist retailers took a significant hit from COVID-19 pandemic demand as consumers reduced discretionary purchases; nonetheless, overall performance of this sector remained strong.
Walmart’s plans to add 12 new locations and convert an existing smaller store to a Supercenter signal a departure from its recent moderation in opening new stores; expansion was scaled back in 2016 in order to more closely compete with online retailer Amazon.
Pets
Walmart plans to construct or convert 150 large-format stores in the US over the next five years, including expanding some smaller locations into its larger Supercenter format and opening new sites.
Discounter with 4,700 U.S stores halted store openings last year to concentrate on online operations and technology; however, the company is making plans to focus more on physical stores this year.
Walmart intends to leverage pet-related products and services as an attractant to millennial customers, including partnering with The Dodo to develop a line of pet food and accessories, as well as giving Walmart+ members access to Pawp telehealth service for one year.
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