Walmart’s “stores of the future” plan will refresh outlets in 47 states and Puerto Rico, promising sleeker layouts, greener tech, and thousands of new jobs.
If the Walmart down the street still looks like 2010, don’t get too attached. The company confirmed it will remodel more than 650 locations by the end of next year, part of an investment drive that spans nearly every corner of the country and Puerto Rico.
The Bentonville retailer says the aim is simple: make shopping faster, cleaner, and more digital-friendly while cutting the carbon footprint. The overhaul, rolled out store by store, includes wider aisles, revamped pharmacies with private counseling rooms, and curbside pick-up lanes designed for the holiday rush.
What the “stores of the future” overhaul means for everyday shoppers right now
For customers, the first thing you’ll notice is the signage. Bold directional markers replace hard-to-decode aisle numbers, and interactive screens let you scan a QR code to compare prices on the spot. Need to charge an EV while grabbing groceries?
Charging bays are being installed outside most remodeled sites. And yes, Walmart promises more mannequins and curated home displays so you can actually picture that patio set on your deck. What’s coming to your neighborhood store soon?
- Redesigned pharmacy counters with privacy pods
- Dedicated “omni shop” zones for online pickup and returns
- Energy-efficient LED lighting and polished concrete floors
- Extra self-checkout lanes plus staffed “help hubs” for cash payments
- Exterior EV charging stations and shaded curbside canopies
Think of it as a hybrid of a traditional supercenter and a showroom—only with those rollback prices intact.
Where and when the nationwide renovations will roll out across 47 states
Curious if your ZIP code made the list? Walmart has released a state-by-state schedule that stretches from Alaska to Florida, with heavy concentration in New York, North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
| Project milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement date | Jan. 31 2024 |
| Total stores in scope | 650+ |
| States plus territories | 47 states + Puerto Rico |
| Flagship next-gen store opened | Cypress, Texas – Apr. 30 2025 |
| Completion target | December 2025 |
| Estimated jobs supported | “Tens of thousands” |
Store managers say most remodels take about three months, with departments moving in phases so shoppers aren’t locked out. One quick tip: check the Walmart app before heading over; it flags temporary aisle shifts during construction.
Bottom line? Walmart is betting that a brighter, more intuitive shopping trip—online and in person—will keep it ahead of Amazon and other rivals. If a blue-vested associate hands you a hard hat on your next visit, don’t worry—change is just getting started.