Recently Walmart announced a $130 million plan to update its Walmart stores to a ‘store of tomorrow’ concept. Now Walmart has announced exactly what it is doing to update its stores.
Here is how Walmart describes what is being done to improve its stores and become the store of tomorrow, as seen with its Chesapeake, VA update:
- A completely new store layout with colorful displays showcasing products, additional shopping space and interactive features.
- Expanded brand name designer products including Steve Madden, Polo, Justice, Love Live Sports and Free Assembly.
- A clinical services room, vaccination area and one-stop shop in the pharmacy.
- Expanded checkout areas.
- New mothers’ room and family bathroom.
- Digital screens throughout the store to give customers easy access to check prices, find online or alternative products and gain product information.
- Expanded beer and wine selection.
The goal of these layouts is to modernize Walmart stores, not just with the look of it, but with how they work to offer a better shopping experience. The hope is these updates will improve the shopping experience and keep shoppers coming back to Walmart.
With the store of tomorrow concept, Walmart plans to use data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve its shopping experience. Walmart says this new AI will help manage the stores’ inventory and make sure there are enough carts waiting for you when you arrive. Walmart may also be able to offer tailored recommendations, customized offers, and promotions to customers.
Walmart is also looking at expanding the use of robotics and automation to assist with filling orders. At some point, Walmart may follow Amazon and look at fully automated warehouses and fulfillment centers.
Walmart reportedly will update 1,000 Walmart stores to this new concept, so they are only about one-fourth of the way through updating their stores. There is still a long way to go, as Walmart has 4,648 Walmart locations just in the United States.