Walmart Customers in These 5 Cities Will Soon Have AI Preparing Their Orders

With more than 4,600 stores across the U.S., Walmart has become ubiquitous. But new locations continue to open, including five unique ones with a special purpose coming soon to certain cities.

Walmart is opening five high-tech warehouses in an effort to get food to shelves faster and keep up with online orders. The refrigerated distribution centers will be equipped with automation technology specifically for fresh food and perishables, and the 700,000-square-foot facilities will use AI-powered technology to store and retrieve them.

The key is speed, and as more customers get groceries delivered or pick up online orders in parking lots, this development will work to both modernize the retailer and increase profits. The automation simply retrieves and moves the needed items to a pallet where they're ready to be delivered, and soon enough, they're out the doors.

Two locations have already been built and tested in Shafter, California and Lancaster, Texas, and three more are on the way. Wellford, South Carolina; Belvidere, Illinois; and Pilesgrove, New Jersey, will soon have high-tech centers, too. But Walmart isn't stopping there. The company plans to open 150 stores over the next five years to help customers save money , including two cities getting new Walmart Neighborhood Market stores. Here's where.

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Walmart’s expansion plans

Over the next five years, Walmart will add 150 new stores across the U.S. and remodel 650 existing stores.

The remodeled locations will incorporate Walmart's Store of the Future concept, which is focused on improving and modernizing the consumer shopping experience through new technologies and enhanced design.

Last October, Walmart hosted a grand re-opening of 117 newly remodeled stores across 30 states.

This year, a new Walmart Neighborhood Market store will open in Atlanta and another in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

1. Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

The new Walmart Neighborhood Market in the Dune Lakes area of Santa Rosa Beach features approximately 17,000 more square feet than the average Neighborhood Market.

According to Walmart, the bigger space means the company can offer more bakery, produce, meat, dairy, and hot-case product options.

The new Santa Rosa Beach location also has a health services room in the pharmacy to provide privacy for customer consultations and a mother’s room for nursing infants.

2. Atlanta

The new Atlanta Neighborhood Market will open in the Vine City neighborhood and will feature all the same perks as the Santa Rosa Beach Store, including the addition of two privacy rooms.

Both stores will also feature wider aisles to provide more room for shopping and more space for pickup and delivery orders. A dedicated room for refrigerated items will help employees prepare orders faster.

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Walmart stores are getting a fresh look

The new and remodeled Walmart stores will have a fresh, modern look and feature improved technologies to enhance the customer experience.

For example, a new activated corner experience allows customers to interact with items on display. And with new digital touchpoints, customers can get more information about products instantly.

Sustainability is a top Walmart goal

Walmart is committed to sustainability, and its new and remodeled stores are more energy-friendly than ever. The company is implementing improved low-impact refrigeration systems and energy-efficient lighting and equipment.

Walmart is also working on accommodating its customers who drive electric vehicles (EVs) by developing a network of EV charging stations across the country.

New Walmart food brand

New stores and remodeled old locations aren’t the only changes at Walmart.

One smart shopping hack is to save even more money by purchasing products that have a Walmart store brand. Walmart launched a new food brand this year — bettergoods, complete with a lowercase “b.”

Walmart describes bettergoods as its “largest private brand food launch in 20 years.”

Products under this brand include quality chef-inspired food products that range from under $2 to less than $15. The brand’s product offerings include specialty salts and seasonings and plant-based food items.

“Made Without” bettergoods items include food products targeted at specific dietary lifestyles. They include gluten-free items, products free from artificial colors and dyes, and antibiotic-free chicken nuggets.

Bottom line

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Atlanta aren’t the only cities that will benefit from Walmart’s expansion initiatives. Hundreds of locations will enjoy Walmart’s new and improved store features.

Through the company’s Store of the Future concept, customers will experience more space, additional product offerings, and a more convenient shopping experience.

And you will get all of this at the famous low Walmart prices that help you get ahead financially .

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