Walmart is expanding by adding more stores and updating some of their current locations. In addition, they are also incorporating electric vehicle charging stations into their plans for growth.
CNBC announced that the company plans to either construct new or transform over 150 "large-format" stores throughout the United States within the next five years. The Associated Press reported that Walmart has not opened any new stores in the last three years.
What does a Walmart store with a 'large-format' look like? Walmart has released press images of its Supercenter design for these planned stores, but has not yet disclosed the cities where they will be located.
Walmart announced that certain locations will feature their new "Store of the Future" concept, which includes more displays and QR codes for customers to scan for extra product details. Before this announcement, the retail giant was already in the process of remodeling 650 more locations to incorporate this concept.
Walmart president and CEO John Furner stated in a release on Wednesday that the company's investments in labor, supplies, and tax revenue amount to millions of dollars and provide benefits to the communities where their stores are located.
According to CNBC, the company chose not to disclose the expense associated with the stores.
Walmart has stated that the new stores will prioritize sustainability in their design. They will feature energy-efficient lighting and equipment throughout the locations.
Apart from focusing on sustainability initiatives indoors, Walmart is also planning to make changes to its parking lot. The company announced intentions to install fast-charging stations for electric cars.
Walmart is planning to create a network of affordable electric vehicle fast-charging stations across the country to make owning an electric vehicle more convenient for both shoppers and employees.
According to CNBC, Walmart has over 4,600 stores in the United States and has a workforce of almost 1.6 million employees.
Check it out: The initial images of what the future Walmart could look like. Photo credit goes to Rob Carroll.
Check out this gallery of 50 popular retail chains that have closed down. The credit for this gallery goes to Madison Troyer.
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