Walmart to pour $9B into 1,400 existing stores

Walmart is serious about its next transition, so serious it is spending more than $9 billion to upgrade and modernize 1,400 stores, reports Reuters.

The retailer said it no longer wants to be known as just a deep discounter, but instead wants the image of an all-purpose behemoth where shoppers can turn to for things other than grocery, according to the company.

“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,” Walmart said in a statement.

The new look has already been tested at concept stores at a few Walmart Supercenters, and Walmart has reported that same-store sales at these “Stores of the Future” are increasing by a few percentage points. One store located in Teterboro, N.J., had same-store sales jump 20%.

A small sample of stores—117 locations in 30 states—will roll out the redesign on Friday before the national rollout begins.

The upgrade includes refreshed interiors and exteriors with new paint and updated flooring, modernized restrooms, LED lighting for a brighter show floor and new signage to make it easier for shoppers to find what they need.

The pharmacies will be bigger and will have private screening rooms where patients can be treated.

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On the tech side, there will be digital screens and QR codes that offer information on Walmart’s services online.

Shoppers will have more checkout options—staffed and self-checkout—and there will be an increase in grab-and-go food and beverage options located throughout the grocery section.