In an uncertain economy and under the pressure of an ongoing trade war, many retailers have focused on scaling back other investments to restructure their supply chains.
These circumstances have moved innovation to the back burner, while putting many employees at risk of losing their jobs.
However, Walmart is taking a different approach.
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In January last year, Walmart unveiled its “Investing in America” plan. This multi-million-dollar strategy aims to create more jobs and enhance customers’ shopping experience by expanding and modernizing its facilities nationwide.
Related: Popular formerly bankrupt retail chain makes brick-and-mortar comeback
As part of the initiative, Walmart wants to build or convert more than 150 stores and remodel existing ones over the next five years.
Within that year, Walmart remodeled 650 stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico and created thousands of new jobs.
Walmart opens its first Supercenter in four years with exciting upgrades
Walmart (WMT) will open its newest Supercenter in Cypress, Texas, but this addition is much more than a regular store opening.
The Cypress Supercenter marks the retailer’s first ground-up Supercenter in four years and the first new-construction “Store of the Future” in the U.S., reaffirming the retail giant’s long-term commitment to growing, modernizing, and strengthening local economies.
This Supercenter was designed to better meet consumers’ needs through a more convenient and seamless shopping experience. It features reimagined layouts, expanded services, innovative technology, and a showcase of local Texas-based suppliers.
Related: Walmart makes major store changes to answer Target
Unlike other Walmart locations, the Cypress Supercenter has a broader product assortment across popular categories and provides customers new ways to shop and save. Customers will find QR codes throughout the store that can be scanned and give access to more products.
But that’s not all. This new location has a fuel station, an autocare center, a modern pharmacy with a health services room and drive-thru, a revamped vision center with expanded services, and a mothers’ room.
Walmart is also introducing new additions that are popular among the community, including a Hispanic bakery section, a fresh tortilla maker, a sushi station, and an in-store Dunkin’.
To continue emphasizing modernization, customers can use the Walmart App to engage with the store, including scheduling TV mounting, enhancing registries, or booking tire installation. This location has digital shelf labels and updated Walmart branding as well.
“This store was built with the customer in mind. It’s part of a larger transformation happening across our stores as we reimagine what shopping looks like for the future. It shows what’s possible when innovation meets intention,” said Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner.
Walmart plans to bring more jobs with the opening of nine new locations
The opening of this new Warmart Supercenter benefits the retailer and the community since it brings over 300 jobs to the region for in-store roles and potential partners.
“A new store means new opportunities,” said Furner, “not only for associates starting or continuing a career, but for small businesses and service partners that will grow alongside the store.”
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Walmart also revealed it plans to open four new Supercenters in Frisco, Texas; Melissa, Texas; Eagle Mountain, Utah; and Eastvale, California. In addition, it will convert two locations in Mountain View, California, and East Windsor, New Jersey, into Supercenters, and debut Neighborhood Markets in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Milton, Florida; and Pace, Florida.
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