Latest news with #JohnFurner
Miami Herald
31-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Walmart closes another store amid new customer behavior
As the king of the brick and mortar space, Walmart (WMT) has to stay ahead of changes to remain competitive. It may not seem like physical retail can change in the blink of an eye. Related: Costco customers get bad news from Walmart's Sam's Club But big box stores must be just as adaptable as online retailers; and customers demand that they keep up. "We are a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer dedicated to helping people save money and live better," CEO Doug McMillon said, per Chain Drug Review. "I don't want to underestimate the impact of technological change, but we serve people, and we work with people." And while that people-centric perspective can get you pretty far, it doesn't get retailers all the way over the finish line in our technologically innovative world. So Walmart has embarked on a lofty project to renovate and modernize 650 stores across 47 states. All told, each renovation could run about $1 million per store. "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," President John Furner said of the new project. Image source:Some stores don't serve Walmart's vision of the future anymore, though. Walmart said it will close a store in Coon Rapids, Minn. on August 29, 2025. The store is located on Riverdale Drive NW in a large shopping plaza, next to a Hobby Lobby, Skechers outlet, and Plato's Closet. It's about a 30 minute drive from Minneapolis. There are over a dozen Walmart locations in the greater Minneapolis area, and the Coon Rapids location is considered an older store. More Retail: Walmart makes drastic change to fight theft amid worrying trendTarget has new plan to win back customers with big savingsHome Depot makes clear statement amid boycott threatsFamous retail chain makes two more alarming store closures The Coon Rapids Walmart location lacks a robust grocery store, which customers have been increasingly seeking out for affordable food, particularly as tariffs and inflation squeeze the cost of everything from eggs to apparel. A Walmart spokesperson called the store an older format, adding that the closure is also due to a poor financial performance. "We are grateful to the customers who have given us the privilege of serving them at our store in Coon Rapids. We look forward to continuing to serve them at our many nearby locations, on and through delivery to their home or business," Walmart said of the closure. With over 4,600 locations across the U.S., Walmart is always examining its stores for inefficiencies or areas for improvement. It recently did away with the self checkout option at its Shrewsbury, Mo. store as theft reached untenable levels. After Walmart removed the option, theft calls to the police dropped to 11% overall , between January to May 2025. The store saw an over 50% drop in theft overall. Arrests were also down. That store remains open for business, just with assisted checkouts via real cashiers. The Coon Rapids, Minnesota store closure, however, marks the second store closed in the northern Twin Cities area in two years. The Brooklyn Center store, also north of Minneapolis, closed down in April 2023. All 180 affected employees in Coon Rapids store will be eligible for transfers to other stores in the area. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Walmart, Sam's Club make huge investment after disastrous flood
While many people across the U.S. were watching fireworks and celebrating the 4th of July weekend, an entire community was hit with a wave of devastation that no one saw coming. A massive flash flood struck Central Texas in the early hours of the July 4 weekend, becoming one of the deadliest in the U.S. in the past century. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Recent heavy rains in the area caused the Guadalupe River near San Antonio, Texas, to overflow by more than 26 feet. Independence Day weekend is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated alongside loved ones, but for many, it has turned into a time of heartbreak, as they face some of the worst news of their lives. Related: Walmart makes deal to open popular food chain in stores The Texas floods have killed at least 95 people, with many being children, and the numbers are only expected to rise as many remain missing. This is because Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp situated along the river in Kerr County and directly in the flood's path, was among the most brutally hit. Image Source: Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images Walmart (WMT) is the world's largest retailer, with over 10,500 namesake stores worldwide and 600 Sam's Clubs nationwide. Although its stores and clubs can be found within 10 miles of nearly 90% of the U.S. population, Texas has the most locations out of any state, with 592 Walmart retail units and 81 Sam's Clubs. More Retail News: Starbucks' huge new rival opens first US storesMcDonald's brings back experimental menu item 13 years laterStarbucks unveils huge store updates amid turnaround plan Hence, the disastrous floods are a tragic event that Walmart felt deeply connected to and couldn't just stand by and watch without doing anything to help. The company made around $681 billion in revenue for the full year of 2024, so it was a no-brainer to give a piece of that fortune to the community that has made it the retail giant it is today, especially when a significant portion of its customers live near the affected area. Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation have committed to donating up to $500,000 in grants and in-kind donations to support Texas flood relief efforts after the devastating events that unfolded over the last few days. The company is also encouraging the community to join this movement by matching up to $250,000 of all customer donations, which can be made via the Walmart and Salvation Army match campaign online or in-store at its Texas locations. "We're working hand-in-hand with local leaders and first responders to ensure help reaches those who need it most," said Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner in a press release. Related: Walmart builds a whole new kind of store Additionally, Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation have collaborated with nonprofit organizations to provide even more support, including offering free meals with Operation BBQ Relief, providing laundry trucks and showers with Matthew 25: Ministries and Procter & Gamble, and funding American Red Cross and The Salvation Army with food, water, and other supplies. "Our hearts go out to the families, associates, and members affected by this disaster," said Sam's Club President and CEO Chris Nicholas. "We will stand by the Kerrville community and help provide the resources and support they need as they recover and rebuild." Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Walmart, Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation Commit up to $500,000 to Support Texas Flood Relief Efforts
Supporting Impacted Communities in South Texas BENTONVILLE, Ark., July 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walmart, along with Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, are stepping up to support communities in South Texas following the devastating floods. Together, they are committing up to $500,000 in grants and in-kind donations to support relief efforts in the region. This includes up to a $250,000 match of customer and member donations, that can soon be made online or in-stores and clubs in Texas, through the Walmart and Salvation Army match campaign. Following the catastrophic floods—Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation have also been working with nonprofit organizations to provide essential resources, including: At the Walmart Supercenter in Kerrville (Store #508), Operation BBQ Relief is offering free hot meals beginning July 7 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Additionally, Tides Loads of Hope laundry trucks and showers provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble and Walmart will be deployed to the area. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation funded local partners including the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army with food, water and other supplies. "We are heartbroken by the devastation our associates, friends and neighbors in Texas are facing, especially the families of those who have lost loved ones," John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S. "We're working hand-in-hand with local leaders and first responders to ensure help reaches those who need it most." "Our hearts go out to the families, associates and members affected by this disaster," said Chris Nicholas, President and CEO, Sam's Club. "We will stand by the Kerrville community and help provide the resources and support they need as they recover and rebuild." For those associates, customers and communities affected, Walmart is providing the support you need through this challenging time. For more information, visit Walmart Disaster Response. About Walmart Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting on Facebook at on X (formerly known as Twitter) at and on LinkedIn at About Sam's Club Sam's Club, the $90 billion division of Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is a membership club that is pioneering the future of retail experience, providing exclusive access to value, convenience and modern omnichannel shopping options to millions of members in 600 clubs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. With over 40 years of innovating in the category, Sam's Club continues to redefine club membership shopping with its curated assortment of quality fresh food and Member's Mark® items, in addition to market leading technologies and services like Scan & Go™️, curbside pickup and home delivery. Visit the Sam's Club Newsroom, shop at or connect with Sam's Club on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. About Philanthropy at Walmart represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. The team works to tackle key social and environmental issues relevant for the retail sector in collaboration with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Walmart Media RelationsPhone: 1-800-331-0085Email: press@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Walmart, Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation Commit up to $500,000 to Support Texas Flood Relief Efforts
BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walmart, along with Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, are stepping up to support communities in South Texas following the devastating floods. Together, they are committing up to $500,000 in grants and in-kind donations to support relief efforts in the region. This includes up to a $250,000 match of customer and member donations, that can soon be made online or in-stores and clubs in Texas, through the Walmart and Salvation Army match campaign. Following the catastrophic floods—Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation have also been working with nonprofit organizations to provide essential resources, including: At the Walmart Supercenter in Kerrville (Store #508), Operation BBQ Relief is offering free hot meals beginning July 7 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Additionally, Tides Loads of Hope laundry trucks and showers provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble and Walmart will be deployed to the area. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation funded local partners including the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army with food, water and other supplies. 'We are heartbroken by the devastation our associates, friends and neighbors in Texas are facing, especially the families of those who have lost loved ones,' John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S. 'We're working hand-in-hand with local leaders and first responders to ensure help reaches those who need it most.' 'Our hearts go out to the families, associates and members affected by this disaster,' said Chris Nicholas, President and CEO, Sam's Club. 'We will stand by the Kerrville community and help provide the resources and support they need as they recover and rebuild.' For those associates, customers and communities affected, Walmart is providing the support you need through this challenging time. For more information, visit Walmart Disaster Response. About Walmart Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting on Facebook at on X (formerly known as Twitter) at and on LinkedIn at About Sam's Club Sam's Club, the $90 billion division of Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is a membership club that is pioneering the future of retail experience, providing exclusive access to value, convenience and modern omnichannel shopping options to millions of members in 600 clubs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. With over 40 years of innovating in the category, Sam's Club continues to redefine club membership shopping with its curated assortment of quality fresh food and Member's Mark® items, in addition to market leading technologies and services like Scan & Go™️, curbside pickup and home delivery. Visit the Sam's Club Newsroom, shop at or connect with Sam's Club on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. About Philanthropy at Walmart represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. The team works to tackle key social and environmental issues relevant for the retail sector in collaboration with others to spark long-lasting systemic change.
Bloomberg
11-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Walmart US CEO Furner to Address Largest House GOP Caucus
Walmart US CEO John Furner will address a gathering of House Republicans in the Capitol on Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump announced a trade framework with China has been completed. The meeting with the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus in the House GOP conference, was confirmed by a person familiar with the gathering. Taiwan's top diplomat to the USA, Alexander Yui, is also expected to attend the midday lunch. Another person familiar with Furner's plans said he will also meet with Democrats to discuss Walmart's views on US manufacturing and small businesses.
