Walmart Spending $9B on Renovations, Reopening Stores Friday

Walmart is reopening 117 locations on Friday as part of its $9 billion effort to modernize its stores, according to a press release from the company.

The revamp comes after Walmart tested its new redesign concept in several stores earlier this year, including one in Teterboro, New Jersey which saw a 20% increase in sales after the redesign, the company said. The retailer, which has 4,717 stores in the U.S., is renovating over 1,400 locations over the next two years as a part of the company’s “Store of the Future” revamp.

“These construction investments allow us to create more local jobs and make it easier for our associates to get customers what they want when they want it,” said John Furner, chief executive officer of Walmart’s U.S. business, per CNBC.

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The remodeled stores feature tech upgrades, a redesigned interior, fresh paint on the interior and exterior, and new signage and shopping carts, according to the company.

^{Courtesy of Walmart Press Center | Walmart Store of the Future: Home department}

Many locations will also have expanded pharmacy and vision centers with private screening rooms for consultations and more eyewear and prescription options.

The new stores will also feature “activated corners” with displays for customers to interact with items and try products before they buy, and digital touchpoints around the stores where customers can get more information on products.

The new design adds more space for movement, the company said, and has allowed the brand to add its own “dollar shop” with additional deals in a separate area and a Grab & Go section. Checkouts feature a Walmart+ express lane and touch-free Walmart Pay.

^{Courtesy of Walmart Press Center | Walmart Store of the Future: Bakery}