The supermarket giant, Walmart, has been the topic of headlines for a wide array of reasons since the start of this year. The previous year ended with the announcement of several store closures due to underperformance, although the number of impacted stores was relatively small when considering the total number of Walmart supermarkets in operation.
Not too long after this, the retailer made the decision to give in to pressure from the political right wing and it subsequently distanced itself from all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This then sparked much controversy amongst the masses and the supermarket giant was faced with large scale boycotts and its reputation took a knock.
Now, in recent days, as a result of growing tariff related tensions, the retailer made a risky move as it pressured its Chinese suppliers to absorb the additional costs. The Chinese suppliers were not impressed with the request as they were already operating on slim margins and now it remains to be seen if the retailer’s relationship with its Chinese suppliers can be salvaged.
So what is the company’s plans going forward?
Walmart closes 11 stores as part of restructuring strategy
Walmart has earned itself the title of the nation’s largest retailer and as such, it currently has more than 4,000 supermarkets in operation spanning the United States of America. Of these 4,000, the last year ended with the announcement that eleven locations will be closed down as part of a loss minimizing strategy.
The stores that had been slated for closure were mainly concentrated in the California region, with the full list of closures as follows:
- Dunwoody, Georgia (Ashford Dunwoody Road).
- Marietta, Georgia (Walmart Neighbourhood Market on Roswell Road).
- Towson, Maryland (1238 Putty Hill Ave.).
- Columbus, Ohio (3579 S. High St.).
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin (7025 W. Main St.).
- Aurora, Colorado (10400 E Colfax Ave.).
- San Diego, California (2121 Imperial Avenue).
- El Cajon, California (605 Fletcher Parkway).
- West Covina, California (2753 E. Eastland Center Dr.).
- Fremont, California (40580 Albrae Street).
- Granite Bay, California (4080 Douglas Boulevard).
It appears that the company will now be redirecting these resources towards alternate ventures and just a few days ago, an expansion plan for Walmart’s gas station and convenience store offerings was announced.
Walmart expansion plans are set in motion
The retail industry giant recently confirmed its plans to revamp existing gas stations, as well as introduce several new gas station and convenience store locations across the country. During the course of this year, forty-five gas stations are slated for revamping or opening. This will raise the total offering to around 450, spanning thirty-four states.
“By adding dozens of fuel and convenience stations this year, we are bringing even more value to our customers,” Walmart U.S. Vice President of Fuel and Convenience Dave DeSerio explained in a statement to Fox Business recently. “Customers shop Walmart for our everyday low prices and convenience offerings, and the fuel stations are another example of us responding to our customer and member needs.”
In addition to a wider offering of gas station and convenience stores, the retailer is also using its membership service, Walmart+, to draw in more customers. Whilst the gas stations can be accessed by anyone, regardless of membership status, Walmart+ members have the added benefit of a discount on gas. Members can receive a maximum 10 cent per gallon discount on fuel purchased at Walmart gas stations, as well as other local gas stations such as Mobil, Exxon, or Murphy.
Additionally, as part of its latest expansion plan, the retailer hopes to open more small neighborhood markets as well. Last year, in Santa Rosa Beach near Destin, Fla., a Walmart Market store had opened and now once we reach summer, a new Neighborhood Market will be opened by Walmart in the Tuscaloosa area. The Florida region will also welcome new Neighborhood Markets in the Milton and Pace areas in the coming months.