Walmart’s Grand Makeover Unveils Health Centers, Groceries and In-Store Dining Nationwide

Clear Facts

• Walmart has made public an ambitious growth strategy that involves the remodeling of 650 stores nationwide and the development or conversion of 150 stores over the next five years. This strategy involves the inclusion of new health centers, grocery stores, and in-store fast-casual eating establishments.
• Following the closure of all 51 Walmart Health centers staffed by doctors in April 2024 due to escalating operational expenses and reimbursement issues, Walmart has unveiled a plan to reopen these centers as senior primary care facilities. This strategy is in collaboration with health insurance firm Humana, with plans to open centers in Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas.
• Walmart will also inaugurate larger Neighborhood Market locations as part of their expansion strategy, beginning in Florida and Georgia. The retail giant is also collaborating with Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ for the addition of in-store fast-casual dining options, to be known as Walmart Crave.

Walmart is making serious progress in enhancing its business model, planning to revamp 650 U.S. stores by the close of 2024. The company also aims to construct or convert 150 stores over a span of five years.

The expansion strategy stretches beyond the physical stores. Walmart recently revealed intentions to launch new health centers, grocery stores, and in-store fast-casual restaurants nationwide.

Earlier this year, Walmart shut down all 51 of its Walmart Health centers staffed by doctors, citing “rising operation costs and reimbursement challenges”. These centers, which offered affordable health services, were predominantly located in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Texas, and Illinois.

However, Walmart has since announced plans to renovate and reopen these centers as senior primary care facilities, in collaboration with health insurance company Humana. These new health centers, scheduled to open in the first half of 2025, will be located in Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas.

Sanjay Shetty, MD, president of CenterWell, stated in a press release, “CenterWell is committed to providing seniors with high-quality health care that is accessible, comprehensive, and most of all, personalized. We are excited by the unique opportunity to lease space from a world-class community partner such as Walmart and offer seniors in these four states greater access to our integrated approach to care.”

He continued, “These nearly two dozen primary care centers are specifically designed for seniors, and each location’s design, including dedicated entrances and easy parking, offers patients the access that they have come to expect at our clinics across the nation. We are eager to expand on our mission to help patients lead happier, healthier lives.”

In addition to the new health centers, Walmart plans to inaugurate new Neighborhood Market locations. Unlike the traditional Walmart Supercenters, these grocery stores will stock a wider range of food options and will be larger. The first two new Neighborhood Markets will be located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Walmart shared that, “Customers will see the most significant improvements in our Fresh departments. There will be more to choose from in bakery, produce, meat, and dairy. Plus, the expanded service deli will offer more hot case options.”

Furthermore, Walmart plans to enhance the customer experience with wider aisles, additional pickup and delivery space, and a Health Services Room for private vaccinations and consultations.

Finally, Walmart is exploring in-store fast-casual dining via a collaboration with Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ. Known as Walmart Crave, these eating establishments will be available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a variety of menu items that can be ordered in-store or via various food delivery apps.

This initiative follows the company’s previous introduction of eateries like Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar, and Wetzel’s Pretzels within some Walmart locations. The company continues to diversify its offerings, aiming to provide a comprehensive, convenient shopping experience for its customers.

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