Walmart Invests Over $200 Million In Updates
May 06, 2019
Walmart announced plans to invest over $200 million in its store network, with a focus on refurbishing and refreshing 31 stores across Canada over the next year. Approximately 3,250 construction jobs will be created to support these upgrades. The company will expand its fresh food Supercentre format to more locations and the investments will also help create a more seamless experience for customers ordering on Walmart.ca and picking up at their local store.
These updates are the latest in a series of store investments, building on the retailer’s $175 million updates to its store network in its last fiscal year. Over the last five years, the company has invested over $1 billion in its Canadian store network.
“Our store network is a key advantage in our ability to best serve the changing needs of our customers,” said Lee Tappenden, president and chief executive officer of Walmart Canada. “1.2 million customers in Canada choose to shop in our stores every day and we are focused on making their experience easy, enjoyable and convenient while seamlessly integrating our eCommerce business. Investing in our stores is critical for the future of our business and to deliver on the changing needs of our customers.”
Walmart has opened more than 20 stores over the past four years. As part of the retailer’s store strategy, it will also close two stores – one in Pincourt, QC, and one in Sault St. Marie, ON.
Enhancements customers can expect to see in their local stores include:
Better experience for customers shopping online and picking up in stores: Updated features include dedicated parking spaces for online grocery pickup and new areas in stores devoted to online orders.
Wider assortment and increased customer offering: Focus on food assortment and fresh, adding in bakery departments and hot food offerings, as well as introducing new licensees to stores for increased customer convenience.
Contemporary updates: Physical updates that provide a refreshed look and feel, including rearranged stores, updated colour palette, new signage, and initiatives to make stores fun and engaging for customer.