Walmart is temporarily closing the main sales floors of some stores in several states as it tests a “rapid remodel” strategy, aiming to complete renovations in about four weeks instead of keeping stores open during months-long construction.
The temporary closures will affect certain Walmart Neighborhood Market locations in states including Florida, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Louisiana. Walmart said in a news release that those stores were chosen in part because other nearby locations can continue serving customers while the work is underway.
Even while the main shopping areas are closed, some services will remain available. Pharmacies and gas stations at the impacted locations are expected to stay open. Shoppers can still visit those stores in person or use the Walmart app and website to place pickup orders. Delivery will also remain available, with customers able to order items.
The remodels will include a range of upgrades to modernize stores and make shopping more convenient. Planned improvements include wider aisles, updated layouts, digital price displays, faster checkout systems and expanded areas for online grocery pickup and delivery.
Walmart said the goal of the new process is to create a brighter, more efficient store environment while minimizing the inconvenience to shoppers.
“This test is about more than new shelves and lights. It is about listening to our customers, continuing to look for ways to save them time and money, and continuing to evolve alongside the communities we serve,” the news release reads.
Walmart confirmed to USA Today that the following Walmart Neighborhood Market stores will be impacted by partial, temporary closures:
- Pensacola, Florida
- Bradenton, Florida
- Deerfield Beach, Florida
- Grovetown, Georgia
- Ladson, South Carolina
- Prairieville, Louisiana
- Sachse, Texas
- Killeen, Texas
- Edmond, Oklahoma
- Norman, Oklahoma
The Independent has contacted Walmart for comment.
