A look inside ‘Walmart of the future’ layout as new location opens – and 650 more are on the way

WALMART has major plans underway to revamp hundreds of locations in its store fleet, with one “Store of the Future” opened this week.

The Houston, Texas, location – filled with exciting new innovations and changes – hosted its grand opening on Wednesday, and roughly 650 more spots are slated for renovation.

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Hundreds of Walmart stores are being remodeled as part of a company effort to enhance the shopping experience, support associates, and make the stores more convenient and enjoyable for customers.

With a focus on the retailer’s “Store of the Future” concept, the renovated spots will feature improved layouts, expanded product selection and services, and innovative technology. 

One of the new stores opened this week in Cypress, Texas, roughly 25 miles from Houston, with grand opening celebrations continuing throughout the weekend.

The location marks the first new-construction “Store of the Future” in the US and the first ground-up Supercenter that Walmart has built in four years, according to a press release.

“This isn’t just a ribbon cutting. It’s a commitment to the future, an investment in a community and new job opportunities,” said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US.

“I’m proud of our associates in Cypress who brought this to reality.”

The brand new location was built with the customer in mind, according to the executive.

It features a full-service gas station that can serve up to 16 vehicles, a modernized pharmacy with a health services room and drive-thru, a vision center with expanded services, an auto care center, and a mother’s room.

Shoppers can also enjoy amenities such as a fresh tortilla maker, sushi station, Hispanic bakery section, and Dunkin’.

The store also boasts store-wide digital shelf labels and Walmart’s updated branding, as well as QR codes throughout the store that unlock digital tools, resources, and access to an expanded assortment.

‘STORE OF THE FUTURE’

The Cypress store, the first newly built “Store of the Future” in the US, is just one of hundreds of Walmart stores that will feature the innovative concept.

“It’s part of a larger transformation happening across our stores as we reimagine what shopping looks like for the future,” said Furner. “It shows what’s possible when innovation meets intention.”

The new Supercenter “sets a new standard in retail,” according to the company, and is part of Walmart’s plans to build or convert over 150 stores across the next five years to the “Store of the Future” concept.

Additionally, over the next year, the company intends to remodel more than 650 existing stores across the US and Puerto Rico, following the new format.

The remodeling plans, first announced in January 2024, will span across 47 states.

“Customers love this concept in the places we’ve already rolled it out, and we’re excited to transition more and more of our fleet,” Furner said last year.

ACTION-PACKED YEAR

This year, in addition to the Cypress location, Walmart plans to open new Supercenters in:

• Frisco, Texas
• Melissa, Texas
• Eagle Mountain, Utah
• Eastvale, California

It’s part of a larger transformation happening across our stores as we reimagine what shopping looks like for the future. It shows what’s possible when innovation meets intention.”

John FurnerCEO of Walmart US

The retail giant also intends to launch Neighborhood Markets in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Milton, Florida, and Pace, Florida.

Shoppers can also expect to see stores in Mountain View, California, and and East Windsor, New Jersey, converted into full Supercenters.

Walmart is not the only retail giant with eager expansion plans slated for this year.

Rival grocery store Sam’s Club plans to open another 15 locations and has 600 renovations on the way.

Plus, another popular grocery chain “cheaper than Walmart” will open 225 new stores in 2025 nationwide.

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