Walmart Raises the Bar for Inclusive Shopping with Specialized Caroline';s Carts in Missouri

Rhea-AI Summary

Walmart has introduced Caroline's Carts in all its Missouri stores, part of a nationwide initiative to enhance in-store accessibility for customers with disabilities. These specially designed carts help caregivers navigate stores more easily, supporting individuals weighing 35-250 pounds. Walmart plans to equip all Supercenters with two carts and Neighborhood Markets with at least one, totaling about 8,000 carts nationwide by early 2025.

This multimillion-dollar investment aligns with Walmart's commitment to inclusivity, following the successful implementation of sensory-friendly hours from 8am - 10am daily across all U.S. and Puerto Rico stores. The initiative demonstrates Walmart's dedication to creating an inclusive shopping experience for all customers, including those with disabilities, seniors, and individuals with mobility.

Positive

• Nationwide rollout of Caroline's Carts to enhance accessibility for customers with disabilities
• Investment in approximately 8,000 specialized carts across all Walmart stores
• Extension of sensory-friendly hours to year-round following positive customer response
• Demonstrates commitment to inclusivity and improving customer experience

Negative

• None.

The innovatively designed carts enhance in-store accessibility for customers needing additional support

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Walmart introduced Caroline’s Carts into all its Missouri stores. The specially designed carts help caregivers of children and adults with disabilities navigate all Walmart stores in Missouri more easily. The retailer’s multimillion-dollar investment is part of a larger commitment to champion inclusivity and accessibility in all its stores.

Unoccupied Caroline’s Cart showcased in Walmart store. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Helping our customers save money and live better is more than our mission – it’s our driving force,” said Cedric Clark, executive vice president of store operations at Walmart. “Equipping our stores with Caroline’s Carts provides some relief to parents and caregivers who need this tool and know it’s available at their Walmart. Whether they’re caring for someone with a disability or a temporary injury, the carts support our customers when and how they need it every time they come through our doors.”

The nationwide initiative extends Walmart’s dedication to creating an inclusive shopping experience. Last year, the retailer successfully introduced sensory-friendly hours. These hours, from 8am - 10am daily, provide a calmer environment in all Walmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico by turning off the radio, setting TV monitors to a still screen, and dimming the lights where possible. Originally designed to be in place during the back-to-school season, the overwhelmingly positive response led to these hours being extended year-round.

Caroline’s Carts are designed for caregivers supporting a wide array of people including those with disabilities, children, seniors and people with limited mobility or injuries. The seat has a capacity to hold 35-250 pounds. Walmart plans to equip all Supercenters with two Caroline’s Carts and all Neighborhood Markets with at least one, totaling about 8,000 carts nationwide. Distribution is ongoing, with all stores scheduled to be equipped with the carts by early 2025. The order from Walmart this year is greater than all Caroline’s Cart orders combined since manufacturing began in 2012.

Downloadable videos and a customer interview are available below, including:

• Interview with Angie Zumwalt, Walmart customer and her 10-year-old son Brooks
• Caroline’s Carts in action at a Walmart store
• Caroline’s Carts being manufactured at Wanzl North America in Denver, North Carolina

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912723861/en/

rebecca.thomason@walmart.com

Source: Walmart Inc.

FAQ

What are Caroline's Carts and how is Walmart (WMT) using them?

Caroline's Carts are specially designed shopping carts that help caregivers of children and adults with disabilities navigate stores more easily. Walmart is introducing these carts in all its stores nationwide to enhance accessibility for customers needing additional support.

How many Caroline's Carts will Walmart (WMT) have in each store?

Walmart plans to equip all Supercenters with two Caroline's Carts and all Neighborhood Markets with at least one, totaling about 8,000 carts nationwide by early 2025.

What weight capacity do Caroline's Carts at Walmart (WMT) support?

Caroline's Carts at Walmart are designed to support individuals weighing between 35 and 250 pounds, accommodating a wide range of users including children, adults with disabilities, and seniors.

When did Walmart (WMT) introduce sensory-friendly hours and what do they involve?

Walmart introduced sensory-friendly hours last year, which run from 8am to 10am daily in all U.S. and Puerto Rico stores. During these hours, the radio is turned off, TV monitors display still screens, and lights are dimmed where possible to create a calmer environment.