BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart Inc. is kicking off a 5-year store expansion plan that will include building more stores and supersizing some of its smaller-format units.
The company will build or convert more than 150 stores over the period, while simultaneously carrying on with its program to remodel existing stores to the Walmart’s “Store of the Future” prototype.
The first two new stores under the initiative, both Neighborhood Markets, are set to open later this spring in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and Atlanta. The company is also finalizing construction plans on 12 new projects it aims to begin this year, along with converting one of its smaller locations to a Walmart Supercenter.
Over the next 12 months, remodels will take place at 650 stores across 47 states and Puerto Rico.
The “Store of the Future” prototype features improved layouts, expanded product selections and innovative technology to help associates better support shoppers. Last November, Walmart celebrated th completion of remodels in 177 stores across 30 states. The stores are among more the 700 units Walmart has modernized in 2023 as sought to lure grocery customers into its general merchandise departments.
“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,” said John Furner, Walmart U.S. CEO.