News

Walmart focusing big on store automation

Adobe Stock

April 7, 2023

Walmart Inc. plans to have 65% of stores serviced by automation by the close of its fiscal 2026 in a quest to boost online order delivery speed.

The news, announced during the retailer's annual investor meeting this week, comes at a time when Walmart is tapping its stores as fulfillment centers more than ever, according to a Reuters report.

The strategy announcement comes on the heels of a layoff plan impacting 2,000 workers at fulfillment centers.

"As the changes are implemented across the business, one of the outcomes is roles that require less physical labor but have a higher rate of pay," the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer said in a regulatory filing.

Most recently Walmart joined with ampliFi Loyalty Solutions to offer customers Checkout With Points, a real-time redemption loyalty program that engages cardholders during a transaction.