Customers may notice changes in their shopping experience as Walmart has implemented five changes.
Many shoppers are saying goodbye as the giant retailer made some notable changes in the last year.
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However, some revisions may be required if customers want to continue purchasing their favorite items at their previous affordable prices.
Some switches include targeted advertising, removal of paper and plastic bags, and anti-theft tactics.
However, not all changes have negatively impacted shoppers.
Walmart is making some pretty interesting tweaks that can make shopping more convenient and even cheaper.
We’ve rounded up five major changes shoppers are expecting in the new year.
1. Text to shop
Walmart officially launched the “Text to Shop” feature last December as a way to make it even more convenient for shoppers.
This feature is connected to your Walmart account, and the company keeps track of your items and previous purchases.
Text the items you want and we’ll add them all to your cart.
Then choose from a wide variety of products, including those in stores near you and on Walmart.com.
To review frequently ordered items and add them to your cart, text “Reorder”.
Shoppers check out via text or Walmart app and select a pickup or delivery time slot.
2. New bag policy
As of January 1, four states—Colorado, Vermont, Maine, New Jersey—and Canada have banned single-use plastic or paper bags.
But on January 18th, Walmart will nationwide ban single-use plastic or paper bags at checkouts.
This means customers must bring their own bags or purchase reusable bags from the store (ranging from 77 cents to $3.98 depending on size).
In a 2020 blog post, Walmart announced it would join the Beyond The Bag initiative in hopes of identifying, testing and implementing sustainable design solutions and models for current retail bags.
According to its website, the company is “working with suppliers to reduce packaging usage, design for recyclability, and improve waste reduction systems.”
3. Anti-theft tactics
With theft reaching an all-time high, the company decided to implement a new policy of locking certain items behind plexiglass.
Items such as laundry detergent, hair care products, and even ice cream are stored and require employee assistance.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said continued shoplifting could lead to store closures and higher prices.
This tactic is meant to prevent theft and keep shoppers safe, but they didn’t embrace it.
One Walmart customer said, “I’m not a fan of Walmart. I will.”
4. Increased inventory
The company has decided to strengthen its product offerings across multiple sectors, including electronics, home and beauty items, and 1,400 new toys.
Over half of these new toys are under $50 and some are under $25.
Walmart has also added a discount section to its website called Flash Picks.
These are daily deals on your favorite items, but for a limited time only.
5. Store of the Future
Walmart has launched a newly renovated store. Complete with showrooms, refreshed digital displays and an in-store Claire outlet.
Officials have told multiple stores that the Beaver Creek store is the “store of the future” and will be used as a prototype for future Walmart stores.
The retailer has invested $130 million in 28 stores, including this Beaver Creek upgrade.
It includes a mock bedroom, just like the Springdale, Arkansas store.
This means that shoppers can physically assemble Walmart products and visualize what the products will look like at home.
In addition, the new bedroom display also has a QR code that customers can scan with their smartphones, giving them direct access to products on Walmart.com.
In addition, some products will have a digital display in the electronics section.
Digital displays are also featured in the pet supplies area and baby section.
The new store also added a Claire outlet to the store and trained employees on how to get their ears pierced.
There are also some structural changes to the store, including new lighting fixtures and relocated sections that provide better aisles for shoppers.
The US Sun has revealed that 11 hidden clearance items will be 50% off at Walmart.
Plus, check out Walmart’s Hidden Clearance for two hair tools starting at just $14.
