Wal-Mart Plans Big Physical Improvements To Stores To Lure Shoppers

By Christine Kern, contributing writer

Changes aim to make stores more appealing with fresher foods and faster checkout.

In a U.S. Strategic Update call with investors, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. U.S. president Greg Foran announced that the retail giant is planning some significant improvements making them more appealing and better stocked, with fresher food and faster checkout, all in an effort to draw more customers and boost sales.

Included in this plan are the retailer's recent moves to boost its number of smaller, more urban formats. The strategic plan also includes include improved lighting, shelving, store layout, and temperature, as well as efforts to push to include merchandise that is tailored to a store’s local community.

Wal-Mart's recent announcement that it would raise wages for 500,000 employees is also part of the strategic plan, making it possible for stores to hire employees that can be the most helpful to customers. Foran says the retailer is working on stores now so that they’re ready for Christmas this year.

Greg Foran’s comments outlining plans for the strong push to improve Wal-Mart Stores’ physical outlets, which have seen diminished foot traffic in recent years, follow quarters where the retailer emphasized improvements to its e-commerce and cuts to its stores. But as Foran explained, stores are key for any brick-and-mortar retailer, and Wal-Mart’s are in need of attention.

“We want this year to be the year of improving our stores, so by the time we hit holiday season, our stores are clean, tidy, well-merchandised and run by engaged associates,” Foran said. “Today, in the main, they’re not.”

“The three things that matter most to customer are clean, fast and friendly, and we’re adjusting the way we operate to make sure we make those real priorities,” Foran said.