New Walmart store design leans heavily on omnichannel tech

Walmart has announced a new store design and layout focusing on a digitally enabled shopping experience.

This will come to 200 of its 4,500 US stores over the next few months and another 800 next year. The aim is to create “seamless omnichannel experiences that save our customers time and inspire them whether in-store, online or via mobile,” an online post notes.

Today, we’re unveiling a new store look and feel, focusing on a digitally enabled shopping experience. With a sleek design and a layout spotlighting products, the experience features end-to-end digital navigation to guide customers on the shopping journey. https://t.co/HSHvag8NSs pic.twitter.com/b2ADqsxZNq
— Walmart Inc. (@WalmartInc) September 30, 2020

“We’ve updated the Walmart signage on the exterior and interior of stores to reflect the Walmart app icon, creating an instant omni-shopping experience in the customer’s mind. As customers enter the store, they are greeted with clean, colourful iconography and a store directory that encourages them to download and use the app while they shop,” it adds.

Stores will also include self-checkout kiosks as well as contactless payment solutions, including Walmart Pay, to limit contact between associates and customers during the coronavirus outbreak. Select locations will also have the Scan & Go solution.

“We’ve tested the new concept in select stores and are excited by the initial feedback from customers and associates. We’ll be rolling it out to more stores this fall and will continue to get customer and associate feedback and evolve the design accordingly,” says Janey Whiteside, EVP and Chief Customer Officer, Walmart.