Walmart on Wednesday said that it wants to build or convert more than 150 shops over the next five years, as well as refurbish existing ones.
Walmart said in 2016 that it was halting new store openings and instead investing in online activities, technology, and shop remodels to compete with Amazon.
A company spokesman stated that the discounter has not built a new store since November 2021. Walmart operates roughly 4,700 US locations, including 600 Sam’s Club sites.
The news comes as the Bentonville, Arkansas-based firm, like many other retailers, relies more on its physical shops to service online purchases and serve as online pickup sites.
In a message provided by The Associated Press, John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart’s U.S. division, stated that the first two new Neighbourhood Markets under this plan will open later this spring in Atlanta and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
It is also finalising building plans for 12 new store projects that will open this year, as well as transforming one of its smaller locations into a Walmart Supercenter. Supercenters cover around 180,000 square feet and sell everything from oranges to apparel to televisions.
The company said that its new and remodeled stores will reflect Walmart’s new concept, featuring improved layouts, expanded product selections, and new technology to help workers better help customers and make shopping more convenient.
