Welcome to our dedicated page for Walmart news (Ticker: WMT), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Walmart stock.
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a leading American multinational retail corporation headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. Renowned for its chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores, Walmart is the largest retailer in the United States. Since the opening of its first supercenter in 1988, Walmart has grown to operate over 4,600 stores nationwide and more than 10,000 stores globally.
Walmart's business strategy revolves around offering the lowest priced goods to consumers, driving robust store traffic and high product turnover. The company provides a convenient one-stop shopping experience, ensuring superior operating efficiency. In fiscal 2024, Walmart reported over $440 billion in domestic sales, with its subsidiary Sam's Club contributing an additional $86 billion. Internationally, Walmart generated $115 billion in sales. Serving approximately 240 million customers globally each week, Walmart employs around 2.1 million associates worldwide.
Walmart continues to emphasize sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunities, making significant strides in these areas. The company leverages advanced technology to enhance its omnichannel retailing, allowing customers to shop in-store, online, and via mobile devices seamlessly.
Recent Achievements and Developments:
- Walmart Inc. and Capital One Financial Corporation recently ended their exclusive credit card issuing agreement. Despite this change, current cardholders can continue to earn and redeem rewards, with Capital One retaining ownership and servicing of the credit card accounts.
For more information, visit Walmart's official website at corporate.walmart.com, or follow their updates on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Walmart has partnered with Kindbody to launch a Center of Excellence for family-building benefits, enhancing healthcare access for associates. The initiative includes a state-of-the-art clinic in Rogers, Arkansas, set to open later this year, offering comprehensive fertility services such as IVF and adoption support. Associates enrolled in a self-insured medical plan will benefit from these services. Walmart's fertility-related benefits include up to $20,000 for surrogacy and adoption expenses and enhanced parental leave policies, reinforcing its commitment to employee welfare.
Walmart has launched two immersive experiences on the Roblox platform, named Walmart Land and Walmart's Universe of Play. These virtual spaces aim to engage Roblox's vast community, featuring interactive content, exclusive merchandise, and exciting games. Walmart Land offers attractions like a virtual store and a Ferris wheel, while the Universe of Play focuses on toy-themed adventures and collectible rewards. This initiative taps into the growing popularity of the metaverse, targeting young consumers with interactive and entertaining shopping experiences.
Walmart is enhancing its holiday shopping experience by introducing extended return policies, new return options, and significant price investments for deeper savings. Customers can enjoy a 'Holiday Guarantee' for returns until January 31, 2023, curbside returns, and home pickup for Walmart+ members. The retailer is also expanding its product assortment, including a notable increase in toy inventory and exclusive brands. With over 40,000 seasonal hires, Walmart aims to ensure strong supply chains and in-stock levels during this busy season.
Walmart is welcoming approximately 40,000 new associates for the holiday season to enhance customer experience through various roles, including seasonal store associates and full-time truck drivers. The hiring initiative aims to support busy families while promoting internal growth, with entry-level employees often advancing in just seven months. Walmart emphasizes a commitment to associate welfare, providing benefits such as medical coverage starting at $31.40 per paycheck, 401(k) matching, and a competitive average wage of over $17 per hour.
On September 20, 2022, Firework announced its partnership with Walmart Connect to integrate livestream and shoppable video content into Walmart's digital platforms. This collaboration aims to enhance the customer shopping experience by providing engaging, short-form videos that facilitate product discovery and purchases. The initiative supports Walmart's Mega Beauty Event held from September 13-16, featuring brands like J&J, L'Oreal, P&G, and Unilever. This move comes as e-commerce sales in the U.S. are projected to exceed $1 trillion, indicating a shift towards video-centric commerce.
The Big Homecoming Festival, co-created by Grammy winners Amir Windom and Maurice Slade, is launching Phase II with The 365 Impact Tour, aimed at supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Major partners like Walmart (WMT), Wells Fargo (WFC), and Allstate (ALL) will provide resources to enhance education, leadership, financial literacy, health, and entrepreneurship among students. The tour kicks off on September 13, 2022, at North Carolina A&T University, continuing efforts to celebrate and sustain the legacy of Black excellence through community engagement.
Walmart+ has integrated a Paramount+ Essential Plan into its membership, enhancing the service at no extra cost. Starting today, subscribers can enjoy a variety of popular content, including shows like 'Halo' and 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.' Walmart+ remains priced at $98 annually or $12.95 monthly, now offering an additional $59 value through the streaming service. This move aims to bring further value to Walmart+ members, aligning with the growing demand for integrated streaming services.
Walmart and UnitedHealth Group announced a 10-year collaboration aimed at enhancing health services in the U.S. The partnership will initiate in 2023 across 15 Walmart Health locations in Florida and Georgia, expanding to serve Medicare beneficiaries through various plans. Utilization of Optum's analytics will enable Walmart Health clinicians to provide value-based care. A co-branded Medicare Advantage plan will be available starting January 2023, alongside Walmart Health Virtual Care options. The collaboration is designed to improve health outcomes and patient experience for millions.
Bonobos launched its Fall 2022 campaign, featuring actor Nick Kroll, celebrating the fit of its men's apparel. The campaign showcases various pant styles, including Slim Taper and Athletic Fit, promoting confidence through better fitting clothing. Running from September 6 to mid-November, the campaign includes digital ads, social media, and TV spots, alongside physical promotions in Bonobos Guideshop locations. The creative was developed with Transport New York, highlighting a commitment to style and comfort.
Walmart has announced a strategic partnership with Sustainable Beef LLC, acquiring a minority stake in the rancher-owned company. This investment aims to enhance the beef supply chain by supporting the construction of a new processing facility in North Platte, Nebraska, which is set to create over 800 jobs and is expected to open by late 2024. Walmart intends to improve access to high-quality beef for its customers while fostering growth for ranchers, ensuring responsible animal care practices, and boosting the overall capacity of the beef industry.