Walmart Canada Store Closures and Upgrades

Overview

• Walmart Canada plans to close 6 stores: 3 in Ontario, 2 in Alberta, and 1 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Simultaneously, Walmart Canada is investing $500 million to upgrade more than half of its remaining locations.
• Focus on improving the "look and feel" of stores and enhancing online business capabilities.

Store Closures Details

• Locations being closed:
  • Ontario: Hamilton (County Fair), Kitchener East, Malton
  • Alberta: Calgary (Deer Valley), Edmonton (Abbotsfield)
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's (Topsail Road)
• Employees from these stores will be offered positions at nearby Walmart locations.

Upgrades and Investments

• Major $500 million investment includes:
  • Introduction of the first automated market fulfillment center at Scarborough West Walmart Supercentre.
  • Automated grocery picking and dispensing systems.
  • Automated kiosks serving as vending machines for online grocery orders.
• Additional store upgrades include:
  • Repairs, new paint, improved lighting and signage.
  • Enhanced staff lounges.
  • Optimized layout for select stores.
  • Improved pickup spaces for online orders in high e-commerce stores.

Strategic Goals

• Walmart Canada's initiative is part of a broader $3.5-billion investment.
• Aims to modernize business operations with emphasis on omnichannel customer service.
• Enhancements are designed to create a more modern, customer-friendly environment.

Statements from Leadership

• Horacio Barbeito, President and CEO, emphasizes modernization and customer service.
• Sam Wankowski, Chief Operations Officer, mentions enhancements aimed at creating efficient and contemporary shopping experiences.

Conclusion

• The closures and investments reflect Walmart Canada's strategic shift to modernize its retail and online presence for a better customer experience.