Walmart locations in the CSRA are getting a new look.
The multinational retail giant unveiled plans last week to remodel more than 650 of its stores throughout the country this year, including 20 in Georgia, refurbishing them as “Stores of the Future.”
The revamping project entails expanded departments, inventory and online pickup and delivery capabilities, pharmacy upgrades with wider aisles, private screening rooms and privacy checkouts, and new store signage.
Walmart’s investment in improving its Georgia stores alone will be an investment of more than $1 billion. Three Columbia County stores are slated to be refurbished: the Walmart Neighborhood Markets at 300 South Belair Road and 3851 Evans to Locks Road, and the Grovetown Supercenter at 5010 Steiner Way.
MORE: Local businesses helping in the wake of loss, injury of deputies
The Supercenter market at 260 Bobby Jones Expressway, which neighbors Sam’s Club, is also selected for renovation, as well as the Hephzibah store at 3697 Windsor Spring Road.
“Our stores often serve as the heartbeat of the communities we operate in, and these remodels are a testament to our dedication to enhancing that role,” said Nick Berkeley, senior vice president for Walmart’s Southeast Business Unit. “By investing in our stores and associates, we are not only improving the shopping experience but also reinforcing our commitment to being a vital part of the community’s fabric, helping to build a brighter future for all.”
According to the release, the department store chain’s renovation initiative has been launched in tandem with an investment in its employees, with more than 5,000 part-timers boosted to full-time, over 3,700 workers given promotions and over 34,000 hourly frontline employees receiving bonuses.
MORE: League of Women Voters to hold sign-waving on International Workers’ Day
Other Georgia cities with store locations selected to become “Stores of the Future” include Savannah, Pooler, Tifton and Snellville.
Skyler Andrews is a reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
