Walmart Unveils Store Expansion, Remodeling Plans
Modernization and expansion.
Those two words encapsulate plans for the year ahead and beyond outlined by John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. In a post on Walmart.com, Furner said over the next five years the retailer is planning to build or convert more than 150 stores, while simultaneously continuing its efforts to remodel existing stores.
“These efforts represent millions of dollars in capital investment of labor, supplies and tax revenue, which benefit their respective communities,” he said. “And they’ll help us reach and serve even more customers.”
During the next 12 months, Walmart plans to remodel 650 stores across 47 states and Puerto Rico, which Furner said will create tens of thousands of jobs supporting these projects.
“I’m excited to say the first two new stores under this initiative, both Neighborhood Markets, are set to open later this spring in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia,” he said “We’re also finalizing construction plans on 12 new projects we intend to start this year, along with converting one of our smaller locations to a Walmart Supercenter.”
Furner said the new and remodeled stores will reflect Walmart's Store of the Future concept, which will feature improved layouts, expanded product selections and innovative technology to help store personnel better support shoppers and make shopping more convenient and enjoyable.
“Customers love this concept in the places we’ve already rolled it out, and we’re excited to transition more and more of our fleet,” he said.
These new facilities will be designed with sustainability top of mind, including more energy-efficient equipment and lighting, lower impact refrigerants and more. The retailer is also working on developing a coast-to-coast network of affordable electric vehicle fast-charging stations in an effort to make EV ownership a more convenient and accessible choice for Walmart shoppers and associates.
