Latest news with #DemandSage
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Walmart set to overhaul more than 650 stores in major upgrade
Walmart has revealed its ambitious plan to remodel hundreds of its retail locations across the United States and Puerto Rico this year, as part of a sweeping, multimillion-dollar investment initiative. As one of the most influential retailers in the U.S. – serving nearly every American household multiple times a year, according to DemandSage – Walmart's store revamp is expected to significantly enhance the shopping experience for millions. The upgrades aim to deliver 'improved layouts, expanded product selections and innovative technology' that will make visiting the stores 'more convenient and enjoyable.' The Arkansas-headquartered company initially shared its intentions in January, declaring its commitment to 'investing in America' through modernizing stores, opening new locations, and generating employment opportunities. The current remodeling project spans more than 650 stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico. Alongside this, Walmart plans to build or transform over 150 new stores within the next five years. These efforts, part of the company's 'Store of the Future' vision, are expected to generate 'tens of thousands of jobs supporting these projects,' Walmart confirmed. Shoppers can expect redesigned interiors featuring 'big, bold signage,' a broader product range, enhanced options for pickup and delivery, wider aisles, and private areas for pharmacy transactions. Texas will see the largest share of updated stores – 67 in total – including several in San Antonio, Houston, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region. California follows with 56 locations, such as San Jose, Sacramento, Mountain View, Bakersfield, and Modesto. North Carolina will have 41 remodels in places like Charlotte, Cary, and Asheville. Florida has 34 stores on the list, with two brand-new stores opening this year. Other states include Georgia (20 stores), Illinois (11), Michigan (14), New York (23), Ohio (23), New Jersey (4), and Pennsylvania (26). Nick Berkeley, Senior VP for Walmart's Southeast Business Unit, added: 'Our stores often serve as the heartbeat of the communities we operate in, and these remodels are a testament to our dedication to enhancing that role. By investing in our stores and associates, we are not only improving the shopping experience, but also reinforcing our commitment to being a vital part of the community's fabric, helping to build a brighter future for all.' CEO Doug McMillon also weighed in during a February earnings call: 'The work we're doing to expand our assortment is another reason for our growth, as more customers are finding what they're looking for.' Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Hundreds of Walmart Stores To Be Remodeled This Year. Here's Where
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Retail giant Walmart on Wednesday unveiled details of its planned nationwide remodeling and investment efforts this year, a multimillion-dollar project that will see over 650 stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico get a significant upgrade. Why It Matters With thousands of stores selling anything from fresh produce to firearms, Walmart already has a massive presence in the U.S., where nearly 19 out of 20 people are estimated to visit the retailer at least twice a year, according to DemandSage. The planned remodeling of hundreds of its stores in the country would impact thousands of American customers, promising to offer them "improved layouts, expanded product selections and innovative technology" that would make shopping "more convenient and enjoyable." What To Know The Arkansas-based retailer first announced plans to remodel more than 650 of its stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico back in January, when it said it was "investing in America" with modernizing efforts, new stores, and new jobs. The company said it is planning to build or convert more than 150 stores in the next five years, while also continuing its program to remodel existing stores following the concept of the "Store of the Future." The remodeling will take place throughout 2025 and will create "tens of thousands of jobs supporting these projects," Walmart said. The initiative includes a new look for the stores, which would have "big, bold signage"; an expanded selection of products on sale on the shelves; more options for its online pickup and delivery services; wider aisles and privacy checkout areas in Walmart's pharmacies. Texas will have the highest number of remodeled stores, 67, including seven locations in San Antonio, five in Houston, and two in Dallas-Fort Worth. It will be followed by California with 56 remodeled stores, including in San Jose, Sacramento, Mountain View, Bakersfield, and Modesto. North Carolina has a total of 41 stores set to be revamped, including in Charlotte, Cary, Fayetteville, Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Durham. Thirty-four stores will be remodeled in Florida—where two new stores are set to open later this year—20 in Georgia, 11 in Illinois, 14 in Michigan, 23 each in New York and Ohio, four in New Jersey, and 26 in Pennsylvania. Here are renderings provided by Walmart of what the remodeled stores will look like. 1 of 6 Newsweek contacted Walmart for comment by email on Thursday early morning, outside of standard working hours. What People Are Saying Walmart said in a press release about the remodeling: "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." Nick Berkeley, Walmart senior vice president for the Southeast Business Unit, said in a statement reported by several news media: "Our stores often serve as the heartbeat of the communities we operate in, and these remodels are a testament to our dedication to enhancing that role. "By investing in our stores and associates, we are not only improving the shopping experience, but also reinforcing our commitment to being a vital part of the community's fabric, helping to build a brighter future for all." Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon said during an earnings call in February: "The work we're doing to expand our assortment is another reason for our growth, as more customers are finding what they're looking for." What Happens Next Walmart has not provided an estimated completion date for each remodeling project, but these should all be finished by the end of the year. The company has also not detailed the cost of the remodeling, but said that it is a multimillion dollar project. McMillon was among the U.S. top retail leaders who met President Donald Trump this week to discuss the feared impact his administration's import tariffs might have on their businesses, which are threatened by rising costs that they might in turn push on to consumers. According to Reuters, a Walmart spokesperson said on Monday of the meeting: "We had a productive meeting with President Trump and his team and appreciated the opportunity to share our insights."
