The Associated Press reported on the 31st (local time) that the U.S. distribution dinosaur “Walmart” plans to open more than 150 new stores in the U.S. over the next five years.
“We will open new stores in areas where stores were not located, and expand general stores to large stores,” the company said in a statement. Walmart plans to open 12 new stores within this year and convert one into a super center. Walmart Super Center is a store that sells almost all products, including food, clothing and home appliances.
The plan is a major shift for Walmart. In 2016, Walmart announced that it would strive to strengthen its online strategy and remodel its stores to strengthen competition with Amazon, the online retail giant, instead of slowing down the opening of new stores. According to Walmart, it has not opened a new store since November 2021. Walmart currently has about 4,700 stores in the U.S. “This news shows that Walmart, like other retailers, will use the store as an online distribution center,” the Associated Press said.
John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart’s U.S. division, told The Associated Press that two new stores will open this spring in Atlanta and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. “Efforts to strengthen offline stores will benefit the community and help us reach and serve more customers.”
In addition, Walmart said it plans to remodel 650 stores in 47 U.S. states and Puerto Rico over the next year.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
