Walmart changing Neighborhood Market stores
Walmart is changing some of its Neighborhood Markets as it looks to open or convert some 150 stores, including a number of its grocery-first concept locations.
The nation’s largest retailer recently opened two new Walmart Neighborhood Market stores – one in the Dune Lakes area of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and the other in the Vine City neighborhood of Atlanta. The stores are the first two to open under “the new initiative,” which will include larger stores, the company said in a statement.
Both locations have 57,000 square feet of salesfloor and pickup and delivery space, roughly 17,000 square feet more than the average Neighborhood Market.
The additional space will allow a “broader assortment” of products, with the largest increase in the fresh department including bakery, produce, meat and dairy. The stores also have expanded delis with more hot foods.
Revamped Markets will have wider aisles and more space for pickup and delivery. There is also more dedicated room for refrigerated goods.
Both the new stores added a Health Services Room to their pharmacies to provide privacy and space for vaccinations and consultations. There are also Mother’s Rooms for nursing mothers.
READ MORE: Walmart opening 150 new stores: Here’s where the first 2 will be
Will every Neighborhood Market change?
Walmart said it’s taking a “thoughtful” approach to remodeling, converting and building new stores and hasn’t confirmed which Neighborhood Markets will be redone.
“We continually evaluate all our stores to make sure they have the right assortment and services to match our customers’ expectations,” the company said. “The Neighborhood Market of the past, present and future continues to be well-positioned to support our customers, no matter their needs or how they choose to shop.”
Walmart opened its first Neighborhood Market store in 1998. There are currently some 780 of the stores across the U.S. In total, Walmart has about 4,600 stores across the country, employing some 1.6 million people.