Dive Brief:
- Walmart plans to undertake more than 650 remodels across its supercenters and Neighborhood Market stores this year, according to a company announcement. The retailer also expects to open around 20 new locations over the next two years.
- So far in 2026, Walmart has opened four supercenters — three in Florida and one in California — and one Neighborhood Market store in Florida.
- The updates are part of the plan Walmart outlined a little more than two years ago to open or convert 150 new stores over a five-year period.
Dive Insight:
In addition to continuing its store expansion push, which it announced after several years of almost nonexistent store growth, Walmart is remodeling stores at a rapid clip. This marks the third consecutive year the mass merchant has outlined plans to update at least 650 locations.
The refreshed stores will feature wider aisles, new digital touchpoints, expanded pickup and delivery services, updated pharmacies and vision centers, and new signage. The remodeled Neighborhood Market stores will receive expanded deli and hot bar selections and enhanced lighting and signage, along with upgraded e-commerce fulfillment areas.
The Neighborhood Market format has gotten extra attention from Walmart as the company looks to strengthen its advantages in grocery. In 2024, the company began testing larger, more omnichannel-focused stores for the format, and this year kicked off a new rapid remodel program that pares down the timeline for store updates from several months to just one month.
As it races to compete with Amazon, Walmart is revamping its stores to serve omnichannel demand. Shoppers using the Walmart app can get help navigating stores, scan labels to see pricing information and use the Walmart Pay tool. Walmart+ members also have access to the retailer’s mobile checkout program.
Walmart spent just over $5.5 billion on remodels during the yearlong period that ended Jan. 31, according to its latest annual report.
Earlier this week, Walmart announced plans to redesign its Great Value brand for the first time in over a decade.
