Walmart (WMT) Launching New Store Designs

By Dan Anderson ● Oct 1, 2020
  • Walmart Inc (NYSE: WMT) is deploying new store designs at 200 locations this fiscal year and 1,000 by next fiscal year

Walmart Inc (NYSE: WMT) is deploying new store designs at 200 locations this fiscal year and 1,000 by next fiscal year, according to USA Today. The new stores are expected to feature seamless omnichannel shopping experiences with more self-checkout kiosks and contactless payment options.

Walmart EVP and chief customer officer Janey Whiteside noted that the new store designs were planned prior to the pandemic and the goal is to save time for shoppers.

“We’re working hard to make it easy for customers to be able to toggle between their physical experiences that are in the store and their digital journeys,” said Whiteside in an interview with USA TODAY. “We think customers are going to really enjoy and find this a much easier shopping experience.”

Before the wider rollout, Whiteside said Walmart had tested the redesign in select locations in Arkansas. The new design was inspired by wayfinding systems at airports — which is an example of how to navigate larger groups of people.

The signs inside and outside of the stores will be updated with the Walmart app icon. And there will be visual reminders to download the Walmart app, which can be used as an item finder and a map.

Some of the locations will have Scan & Go (part of the new Walmart+ membership program). Shoppers will be able to scan items as they shop and then pay with Walmart Pay.