BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart on Wednesday detailed investments in new and remodeled stores that it says will create new jobs while offering an improved shopping experience for its customers. The planned expansion of its brick-and-mortar presence marks a change in direction for the retailer, which has not added to its U.S. store count in recent years.
“In the next five years, Walmart is planning to build or convert more than 150 stores, while simultaneously continuing our program to remodel existing stores,” Walmart U.S. president and CEO John Furner announced in a blog post. “These efforts represent millions of dollars in capital investment of labor, supplies and tax revenue, which benefit their respective communities. And they’ll help us reach and serve even more customers.”
Furner said Walmart’s plans include to remodeling 650 stores across 47 states and Puerto Rico over the course of the next 12 months – creating tens of thousands of jobs supporting these projects.
“That’s in addition to the hundreds of jobs we’ll bring to a community each time we open a new store,” he said. “And those jobs come with amazing perks, like tuition-free college starting on day one, or flexible scheduling and competitive paid time off.”
The first two new stores under this initiative, both Neighborhood Markets, are set to open later this Spring in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. and Atlanta, Ga. Walmart is also finalizing construction plans for 12 projects that are scheduled to start this year, along with the conversion of one of the retailer’s smaller locations into a Walmart Supercenter.
“Our new and remodeled stores will reflect Walmart’s Store of the Future concept, featuring improved layouts, expanded product selections and innovative technology to help our associates better support our customers and make shopping more convenient and enjoyable,” Furner said. “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.”
Walmart aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable shopping journey for its customers, ensuring that their needs are met efficiently and effectively, regardless of the platform they choose to engage with.
Furner also emphasized the positive impact that these expansions and improvements will have on the communities Walmart serves. Investing in America by growing its business and embracing sustainability initiatives is a testament to Walmart’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen. the retailer said. These endeavors will not only create jobs but also contribute to the economic growth and development of local communities.
By engaging with local communities and fostering strong relationships, Walmart aims to reinforce its role as an essential part of the fabric of American society. The company’s actions align with its mission to improve the lives of its customers and the communities it operates in.
Furner said the projects also reflect Walmart’s commitment to sustainability, noting that the company’s plans call for more energy-efficient equipment and lighting, as well as the use of lower impact refrigerants.
Walmart will also support the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) by developing a coast-to-coast network of affordable electric vehicle fast-charging stations. This strategic move aims to make EV ownership more convenient and accessible for both Walmart shoppers and associates. By investing in sustainable practices and supporting the adoption of clean energy solutions, Walmart is aligning itself with the global push towards a greener future.
“What a win it is to invest in America, grow our business and move toward a more sustainable future – all at the same time,” Furner wrote.
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