Walmart is expanding their retail footprint by adding more "large" stores and installing electric vehicle charging stations. This expansion plan includes both opening new stores and expanding existing locations.
According to CNBC, the company plans to create over 150 "large-format" stores in the United States within the next five years through building new locations or converting existing ones. The Associated Press noted that Walmart has not opened any new stores in the last three years.
What does a Walmart with a 'large-format' look like? Walmart has released press images of its Supercenter design for the planned stores that will be larger than usual. The company has not disclosed the specific cities where these stores will be located.
Walmart announced that certain locations will feature their "Store of the Future" concept, which includes more displays and QR codes for customers to scan and access more information about products. The company had already been renovating 650 locations to include this concept before making this announcement on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Walmart president and CEO John Furner highlighted the significant financial investments the company has made in labor, supplies, and tax revenue, which have positive impacts on the communities they serve.
CNBC reported that the company chose not to disclose the pricing of the stores.
Walmart has stated that their new stores will prioritize sustainability in their design. This includes the use of energy-efficient lighting and equipment throughout the locations.
Aside from focusing on sustainability initiatives indoors, Walmart is also planning to make changes to its parking lot. Specifically, the company has announced intentions to install fast-charging stations for electric cars.
Walmart is planning to create a network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles across the country. The goal is to make owning an electric vehicle more convenient and accessible for both customers and employees of Walmart.
According to CNBC, Walmart has over 4,600 stores in the United States and has a workforce of almost 1.6 million employees.
Check out the initial images of what the future Walmart may look like. These photos were credited to Rob Carroll.
Check out this gallery featuring 50 retail chains that were once popular but have since closed down. The credit for this gallery goes to Madison Troyer.
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