Walmart Stock Price, News & Analysis

Gatik has achieved a historic milestone by operating its autonomous delivery trucks for Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas, without a safety driver. This marks the first commercial deployment of fully driverless operations in the middle mile logistics sector globally. Gatik's trucks complete multiple delivery runs daily, enhancing speed and safety for Walmart's customers. The project, initiated in August 2021, demonstrates Gatik's commitment to efficiency and safety, backed by a 100% safety record across North America since 2019.

Walmart announces the availability of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 following FDA and CDC authorization. Starting this week, the vaccine will be administered at over 5,100 Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies nationwide. This approval follows a thorough review of safety and efficacy data, with the vaccine being one-third the adult dosage. Parents can schedule appointments online, and the vaccination process involves two doses three weeks apart. Common side effects are mild to moderate, and the initiative aims to bolster community health amidst ongoing COVID-19 challenges.

Walmart and Sam's Club are launching the Elton John Eyewear collection, featuring stylish frames inspired by the musician's iconic career. The collection includes 60 unique frames priced between $95-$100, with proceeds supporting the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which will receive a minimum of $1 million annually. The line offers both prescription and non-prescription options and emphasizes confidence and self-expression.

RevolutionParts has entered an exclusive agreement with Walmart to sell OEM automotive parts on the Walmart Marketplace. This partnership will provide immediate access to hundreds of thousands of parts, tapping into the booming OEM parts eCommerce market, which grew by 30% last year. Walmart's commitment to enhancing customer experience is reinforced with dedicated pages for OEM parts, ensuring ease of search based on vehicle specifications. With Walmart's eCommerce business doubling over the past two years, this collaboration aims to enhance the shopping experience for automotive customers.

Walmart has voluntarily recalled approximately 3,900 bottles of Better Homes and Gardens-branded Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray due to the potential presence of hazardous bacteria. This recall, initiated on October 22, affects products sold in about 55 stores across 18 states and includes six scents. Walmart is committed to customer safety, offering full refunds and a $20 gift card for inconveniences. The company has contacted affected customers via email and other means to facilitate safe product returns.

Walmart (NYSE: WMT) has announced new initiatives to enhance equity in education, partnering with three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T State University, and Spelman College. Through its Live Better U (LBU) program, Walmart extends full tuition coverage to associates, accommodating 1.5 million eligible employees. The company also committed $2.4 million to Jackson State University and $3 million through its Center for Racial Equity to support various educational grants and initiatives.

Walmart's Moosejaw is set to open its first physical store in Bentonville, Arkansas on October 21. The 6,000 sq. ft. location will employ nearly 20 associates and offer a wide range of outdoor gear from top brands like The North Face and Rocky Mountain. The store aims to meet the demand in a region known for mountain biking and outdoor activities. A grand opening event will be held from October 29-30.

This expansion aligns with Walmart's strategy to enhance its outdoor product offerings, complementing its robust online presence.

Walmart announced plans to build a new, high-tech grocery distribution center in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, set to open in 2024. This 720,000+ square-foot facility will create over 400 full-time jobs and is designed to process grocery perishables using advanced automation, robotics, and machine learning. The center aims to move twice the product of a traditional grocery DC, enhancing supply chain efficiency. This $450 million investment highlights Walmart's commitment to automation and strengthens the local economy, promising fresher products and improved service at stores.

Walmart announces its second annual "Black Friday Deals for Days" savings event, set to run throughout November, featuring early access for Walmart+ members. Customers can expect three major events starting on November 3, November 10, and November 24, offering significant discounts on electronics, toys, home goods, and more. The retailer emphasizes a safe shopping experience, aligning with CDC guidelines. Walmart aims to provide a larger inventory to meet customer demand, building on the success of last year's promotion, with fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion.