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    Walmart expansion plan

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    Zixuan Lai
    ·September 27, 2025
    ·12 min read
    Walmart expansion plan
    Image Source: unsplash

    You’re about to see big changes at your local Walmart. The walmart expansion plan brings new stores, more remodels, and extra fuel stations to neighborhoods across the country. Here’s what’s coming soon:

    Walmart’s strategy centers on making shopping easier and more modern for you. Take a look at the main goals:

    Goal

    Description

    Omnichannel Retail Leadership

    Blending in-store and digital shopping for a smoother experience.

    E-commerce Expansion

    Growing online options to compete with digital-first brands.

    Supply Chain Digitization

    Using AI to speed up and automate inventory.

    Health & Wellness Expansion

    Offering more affordable healthcare and pharmacy services.

    You’ll see how these updates impact your shopping, job opportunities, and even your community.

    Key Takeaways

    • Walmart plans to open or remodel over 150 stores by 2029, making shopping more convenient and accessible for you.

    • The expansion includes over 45 new fuel stations this year, allowing you to fill up while shopping for groceries.

    • Walmart's digital marketplace is growing rapidly, with over 200,000 sellers, giving you more product choices and better prices.

    • Remodeled stores will feature modern layouts and technology, enhancing your shopping experience and making it easier to find items.

    • Walmart invests in community support and job creation, aiming to add 2.5 million jobs in the next decade, benefiting local economies.

    walmart expansion plan overview

    walmart expansion plan overview
    Image Source: pexels

    Store openings

    You’re about to see more Walmart stores popping up in your area. The walmart expansion plan includes building or converting over 150 stores by 2029. This means you’ll have more places to shop for groceries, clothes, and everyday essentials. Walmart is not just opening regular stores. You’ll find new Supercenters, Sam’s Club locations, and even walmart convenience stores that focus on quick shopping and grab-and-go items.

    • These new stores will help you get affordable goods closer to home.

    • You’ll notice features like Grab & Go foods and dollar sections, making it easier to find what you need fast.

    • Walmart uses its stores as fulfillment centers, so you can order online and pick up your items the same day or get them delivered quickly.

    Walmart’s decision to open more stores shows confidence in physical retail. The company wants to make shopping easier and more convenient for you, especially when it comes to groceries. By adding more stores, Walmart hopes to attract new customers and keep its spot as a leader in low-cost shopping.

    Did you know? Walmart plans to add $130 billion to its annual revenue over the next five years with this expansion.

    Remodels

    You’ll also see big changes inside existing Walmart stores. The walmart expansion plan includes remodeling over 650 stores in 2025. Walmart announced this update in January 2024, and they recently shared which locations will get a fresh look.

    • These remodels will make your shopping experience smoother and more modern.

    • Stores will get better layouts, brighter lighting, and new technology to help you find products faster.

    • The upgrades are part of Walmart’s “Stores of the Future” project, which aims to compete with big names like Amazon.

    Walmart stands out from its competitors by combining store growth with e-commerce. When you shop at a remodeled store, you’ll notice how easy it is to order online and pick up your items in person. This approach uses Walmart’s huge network of stores in a way that other companies can’t match.

    Fuel stations

    Walmart knows you want convenience, so the walmart expansion plan also includes more fuel stations. This year, you’ll see over 45 new or remodeled fuel stations, bringing the total to more than 450 across the country.

    • You can fill up your car while grabbing groceries or snacks.

    • Many fuel stations now have small convenience stores attached, so you can pick up drinks, snacks, or even last-minute essentials.

    • These stations make it easier for you to get everything done in one trip.

    Walmart plans to automate 55% of its fulfillment centers and 65% of its stores in the next few years. This means faster service and lower costs for you. The company also wants to reduce unit costs by 20% over the next three years, which could help keep prices low at the pump and in the store.

    The walmart expansion plan is all about making your life easier, whether you’re shopping for groceries, picking up an online order, or filling up your tank. With more stores, better remodels, and extra fuel stations, you’ll have more choices and more convenience every day.

    increase ecommerce share

    increase ecommerce share
    Image Source: pexels

    Online marketplace

    You probably notice how much easier it is to shop online these days. Walmart wants to make your digital shopping experience even better. The company’s main strategy is to grow its digital marketplace and give you more choices every time you visit the website or app.

    Walmart’s digital marketplace is growing fast. In just the last five months, 44,000 new sellers joined the platform. Now, for the first time, there are over 200,000 active sellers. This means you can find more brands and products than ever before. Walmart is on track for its biggest marketplace growth year yet.

    Tip: More sellers mean more deals and unique items for you to discover.

    You might wonder how this growth affects you. With more sellers, you get better prices, more variety, and a smoother shopping experience. Walmart’s digital marketplace lets you compare products, read reviews, and get your orders delivered right to your door.

    Take a look at how Walmart’s ecommerce sales have grown:

    Year

    Walmart US E-commerce Sales

    2024

    $65.4 billion

    2023

    $53.4 billion

    You can see that more people are shopping online with Walmart every year. The company’s goal is to increase ecommerce share and become your top choice for online shopping.

    Product variety

    When you shop on Walmart’s digital marketplace, you get access to a huge selection of products. As of 2025, you can choose from over 2.1 million items. You’ll find everything from groceries and electronics to clothing and home goods.

    Here’s what you can expect:

    • Over 2.1 million products available online.

    • Categories include groceries, electronics, clothing, and more.

    • The number of sellers has passed 150,000, so you see new brands and items all the time.

    Walmart keeps adding new products and categories to help increase ecommerce share. You never have to worry about running out of options. The digital marketplace makes it easy to find what you need, whether you want the latest tech gadget or your favorite snacks.

    Walmart’s ecommerce sales now make up a bigger part of its total revenue. Check out this table:

    Year

    Percentage of Total Revenue from E-commerce

    2025

    18%

    2024

    15.4%

    You can see that Walmart’s digital marketplace is becoming more important every year. The company’s focus on variety and seller growth helps you get more value and convenience with every order.

    accelerating marketplace growth

    Seller expansion

    You might wonder how Walmart keeps its online marketplace fresh and full of choices. The answer is simple: Walmart works hard to bring in new sellers. This helps you find more brands and products every time you shop. Here’s how Walmart makes it easy for sellers to join and succeed:

    Strategy

    Description

    Walmart Fulfillment Services

    Sellers can use Walmart’s fast shipping, so you get your orders quickly.

    Streamlined Returns

    Easy returns make shopping worry-free for you and sellers.

    Walmart also gives sellers tools to help their products stand out. Sponsored ads put items in high-traffic spots, like the search results and the Buy Box. When sellers run ads, you see more deals and trending products, especially during busy seasons.

    Tip: More sellers mean more choices and better prices for you!

    Technology upgrades

    Walmart knows you want a smooth and fun shopping experience. That’s why the company invests in new technology to make online shopping better every day. Here are some cool upgrades you’ll notice:

    • The Content Decision Platform uses AI to show you products and deals you’ll love.

    • The AR platform, called Retina, lets you see 3D images of products. You can even try out items virtually before you buy.

    • The Walmart Translation Platform helps you shop in your language, with real-time translation in 44 languages.

    Walmart’s partnership with Eko brings interactive videos to product pages. You can watch, click, and learn more about items before adding them to your cart. These upgrades have helped Walmart’s e-commerce sales grow by 22% in early 2026. The company’s omnichannel strategy blends online and in-store shopping, so you get fast pickup and delivery options.

    Note: AI-powered search and predictive analytics help you find what you need and keep popular items in stock.

    Walmart’s focus on accelerating marketplace growth means you get more choices, better prices, and a shopping experience that keeps getting better.

    Customer impact

    Shopping experience

    You will notice shopping at Walmart feels easier and more enjoyable. The company is rolling out new features that help you get in and out faster. For example, Pickup Towers let you grab your online orders quickly, cutting wait times by 45%. Virtual assistant tools guide you through the store, so you find what you need without wandering around. These tools also give you real-time updates on what’s in stock, which means less frustration if you’re looking for something specific.

    Here’s a quick look at how your shopping experience improves:

    Feature

    Benefit for You

    Pickup Towers

    Fast online order pickup, less waiting

    Virtual Assistants

    Easier navigation, 20% higher satisfaction

    Real-Time Inventory

    Know what’s in stock before you shop

    New Ad Formats

    More personalized deals and offers

    You get a smoother, more engaging trip every time you visit.

    Selection

    You will see more choices on the shelves and online. Walmart’s “Store of the Future” concept brings expanded departments and a wider product selection. Remodels mean you can browse bigger sections for groceries, clothes, and electronics. The company has tested these changes, and shoppers like you have given positive feedback about the extra variety.

    What’s Changing

    What It Means for You

    Expanded Departments

    More products in every aisle

    Improved Layouts

    Easier to find what you want

    Wider Product Selection

    New brands and categories to explore

    You get to enjoy a bigger selection, whether you shop in person or through ecommerce.

    Pricing

    You can count on Walmart to keep prices low, even as the company grows. The pricing strategy focuses on quick adjustments, so you see discounts and deals right when they happen. Digital price tags make this possible. Employees can update prices instantly, which means you get the best deals without delay. This approach helps Walmart stay competitive in both stores and ecommerce.

    • Walmart’s pricing stays flexible to match market changes.

    • Real-time price changes mean you never miss out on savings.

    • The company’s focus on efficiency helps keep costs down for you.

    Walmart’s commitment to low prices has already boosted sales, especially in groceries. As ecommerce grows, you will see even more value and convenience.

    Employee and community impact

    Jobs

    You will see more job opportunities as Walmart grows. The expansion plan creates hundreds of new roles in the US and India. Many of these jobs focus on new technology, like artificial intelligence and digital tools. When Walmart opens new stores or remodels old ones, you might find jobs in stocking, customer service, or even tech support.

    • Walmart employs over 1.6 million people in the US.

    • Experts expect the company to add about 2.5 million more jobs in the next ten years.

    • New roles will help you learn about technology and digital shopping.

    Walmart’s presence in your town can also lower prices for families. Studies show that a typical family saves about $600 each year because of Walmart’s low prices. However, some small businesses may find it hard to compete.

    Training

    Walmart wants you to succeed at work. The company invests nearly $1 billion in skills training through 2026. You can join programs that help you move up to better jobs or learn about new technology. Here are some of the main training programs:

    Program Name

    Description

    Availability

    OpenAI Certification Program

    Customized AI training for frontline and office workers

    Available in 2026

    Live Better U Program

    Over 50 certificates, including paths to higher-paying jobs

    Ongoing

    Associate to Technician

    Helps you learn skilled trades and fill important roles

    Ongoing

    You can complete certificates at no cost through the Live Better U program. Walmart also offers new AI training, so you can keep up with the growing share of digital sales.

    Tip: These programs help you build skills for the future and open doors to new careers.

    Community investment

    Walmart invests in your community, not just in stores. The company plans to spend more than $260 million in El Salvador over the next five years. In Vermont, Walmart donated $350,700 to local groups in 2024. You might see Walmart giving food to local food banks—over 177,500 pounds in Vermont alone, which equals about 147,900 meals.

    • Walmart spent almost $955 million with Vermont suppliers in 2024, supporting over 4,600 jobs.

    • The company’s donations help local families and support community projects.

    You benefit from these investments through more jobs, better training, and stronger local support. Walmart’s expansion brings more than just shopping—it helps your whole community grow.

    Outcomes and challenges

    Growth projections

    You can expect Walmart to keep growing, but the pace may slow down a bit. Here’s what the numbers look like:

    Industry experts say Walmart’s size, brand, and focus on e-commerce give it a strong advantage. You’ll see more product choices and better deals as Walmart invests in new technology and expands into new markets.

    Risks

    Walmart’s expansion brings some real challenges. You might notice these risks in your community or hear about them in the news:

    • Walmart once paid over $280 million in fines for breaking anti-corruption laws during rapid international growth.

    • More Supercenters in an area can lead to higher obesity rates. Studies show that each new Supercenter per 100,000 people raises the average BMI and increases obesity by 2.3 percentage points.

    • Walmart has faced cultural and legal problems in other countries. In Germany, the company struggled with local labor laws and faced over 40 lawsuits. In Japan, building on a historical site upset many people. In South Korea, strict rules made it hard for Walmart to use its usual supply chain model.

    • Local retailers sometimes fight back, and protests or boycotts can hurt Walmart’s reputation.

    Note: These risks show that fast growth can sometimes cause problems for both Walmart and the communities it enters.

    Solutions

    Walmart has a clear strategy to tackle these challenges and keep moving forward:

    • The company invests in digital tools like AI and automation to make shopping faster and easier for you.

    • Walmart uses an omnichannel approach, blending online and in-store shopping for a smoother experience.

    • The company focuses on sustainability by using energy-efficient technology and renewable energy.

    • Walmart works to understand local cultures and laws before opening new stores, which helps avoid past mistakes.

    You will see Walmart continue to improve its stores, website, and community programs. These solutions help Walmart grow while keeping customers, employees, and communities in mind.

    You can expect Walmart’s expansion to bring more stores, better online shopping, and stronger communities. Sam’s Club is growing fast, and new store formats make shopping easier for families. You get lower prices and more choices, while local economies see new jobs and growth.

    • Walmart’s focus on sustainability and e-commerce sets a new standard for other retailers.

    • Its leadership in grocery delivery pushes competitors to improve.

    • Responsible business practices show that doing good and making money can go hand in hand.

    FAQ

    What new features will I see in remodeled Walmart stores?

    You will notice brighter lights, better layouts, and new technology. Pickup Towers and virtual assistants help you shop faster. Stores feel more modern and make it easier to find what you need.

    How does Walmart’s expansion help my community?

    Walmart creates new jobs and invests in local projects. You might see donations to food banks or support for local groups. The company also works with local suppliers, which helps your town’s economy.

    Will prices stay low as Walmart grows?

    Yes! Walmart uses digital price tags and smart technology to keep costs down. You get real-time deals and discounts. The company’s focus on efficiency helps you save money every time you shop.

    Can I find more products online now?

    Absolutely! You can shop from over 2 million items on Walmart’s website. New sellers join every month, so you always see fresh brands and products. Shopping online gives you more choices than ever.

    What is Walmart doing to be more eco-friendly?

    Walmart uses energy-saving lights and renewable energy in stores. The company also works to cut waste and use less plastic. You help the planet when you shop at stores that care about the environment.

    See Also

    Understanding Walmart+ Membership Benefits and Self-Checkout Options

    Upcoming Changes to Walmart Self-Checkout Access in 2025

    Common Self-Checkout Mistakes Made at Walmart Stores

    Discovering Distinctive Aspects of Seminole's Corner Store Travel Center

    The Rise of Smart Stores in Modern Convenience Retail