Retail giant Walmart announced that it plans to build or convert more than 150 stores over the next five years, further expanding its investment program that began with remodeling more than 1,400 existing stores with a spending budget of more than $9 billion.
In addition, over the next 12 months, the retail giant plans to remodel 650 stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico, creating tens of thousands of jobs to support these projects.
Walmart has more than 4,600 stores and supercenters in the U.S. and nearly 600 Sam’s Club stores, which will grow with 30 new stores.
Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner provided details of the growth plan in a message posted on the company’s website.
“These efforts represent millions of dollars in capital investment of labor, supplies, and tax revenue, benefiting their respective communities. And they will help us reach and serve even more customers.”
Regarding the retailer’s labor impact on communities, Furner said Walmart directly employs approximately 1.6 million people in the U.S.
“That’s in addition to the hundreds of jobs we’ll bring to a community every time we open a new store. And those jobs come with incredible perks, like free college tuition starting on day one, or a flexible schedule and competitive paid time off,” Furner said.
Related Article: Walmart Rules Online Grocery Sales, Reaching Record Figures
The first two new stores in the growth plan, both Neighborhood Markets, will open later this spring in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. Walmart is also finalizing construction plans for 12 new projects it intends to start this year and converting one of its smaller stores into a Walmart Supercenter.
According to Furner, the new and remodeled stores will reflect Walmart’s Store of the Future concept, with improved layouts, expanded product selections, and innovative technology to help our associates better support their customers and make shopping more convenient and enjoyable.
“Customers love this concept in the locations where we have already implemented it, and we are excited to transition it to more and more stores,” said Walmart’s U.S. CEO.
These new facilities will be designed sustainably, including more energy-efficient equipment and lighting, lower-impact refrigerants, and more.
The retailer is also developing a coast-to-coast network of affordable electric vehicle fast-charging stations to encourage electric vehicle ownership and make them a more convenient and accessible option for Walmart shoppers and associates.
“These new and remodeled stores will allow us to meet better and exceed customer expectations, whether in a store, online at Walmart.com, or through one of our mobile apps. We are proud that improving our stores will also have a tangible impact on the communities we serve,” Furner concluded.