WALMART’s redesign generated a negative response from some customers.
A customer named Patricia Tait-Hendrickson took her frustration with the retailer to social media.
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NAVIGATION FRUSTRATION
Tait-Hendrickson of Shelbyville, Illinois criticized the redesign of her local Walmart on June 4, 2024, on Facebook publishclaiming this made it harder for shorter people to navigate the store.
The frustrated shopper also said she would start shopping at supermarket chain Aldi instead.
“Walmart’s local redesign has left people stuck between self-checkout and climbing into carts to unload,” she wrote.
“The ‘Disney-style’ line is bad enough, but I have to pull the cart into the narrow aisle between the registers to unload as much as I can from the front and then push it back to turn it sideways to get the rest .
“And doing it with my blind husband trying to help is even worse. What’s wrong with corporate idiots? Looks like it’ll be worth the 30-mile drive to Aldi’s without the hassle of WM setup.”
Facebook user Martha Mars commented on the post, expressing her “love” for Aldi.
Another user, John Hendrickson, said he tries to avoid self-checkout.
Tait-Hendrickson said she doesn’t use self-checkout.
“I already have enough trouble getting things out of the cart, let alone scanning and bagging them,” she added.
THE REDESIGN
Although Tait-Hendrickson has expressed displeasure with Walmart’s overhaul, the chain appears to be pleased with the changes to the retail chain.
Hunter Hart, Senior Vice President of Walmart Realty, discussed the redesign in October 2023.
The corporation celebrated the reopening of 117 remodeled stores in the United States, costing more than half a billion dollars in 30 states, in the “largest single-day reopening in Walmart’s history.”
The chain has invested more than $9 billion since 2021 to upgrade more than 1,400 stores nationwide, Hart said.
“Each store is designed to offer a more modern shopping experience and improve the lives of our associates and customers from the moment they enter the new space,” Hart wrote.
He said the changes are “thoughtful” and aim to offer customers a “more modern, highly connected Walmart.”
Hart said the changes include:
- Refreshed exteriors and interiors with new paint, new signs and more shopping carts
- Larger pharmacies and updated vision centers
- New corners activated with new displays that allow customers to interact with products
- Added space
- A new dollar store
- A Grab & Go section
Hart said the additional space makes “exploring and experimenting easier than ever” and is beneficial for both customers and employees.
More changes at Walmart
Walmart implemented changes aimed at creating a better experience for customers and employees.
In addition to the redesigns, the retail company reduced its reliance on self-checkout.
According to CBS NewsWalmart is removing self-checkout lanes at a Missouri location based on customer feedback.
“As part of our announced plans for additional investments and store improvements nationwide, we are converting the self-checkout lanes at our 7437 Watson Road store in Shrewsbury, Missouri, to traditional checkout lanes,” said a spokesperson of retail. corporation said in an email to CBS MoneyWatch.
“We believe the change will improve the in-store shopping experience and give our associates the opportunity to provide more personalized and efficient service.”
He added that the extra space makes it “easier” for employees in several areas, including when handling delivery orders or helping a customer find food.
Hart also said the additional space promotes an enhanced digital experience.
It’s unclear whether Tait-Hendrickson’s local Walmart has undergone the changes Hart discussed.
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