Sam’s Club MAP Evolves into First Retail Experience Network

Sam’s Club announced that its Member Access Platform (MAP) is evolving into the first Retail Experience Network, aiming to transform traditional retail media into personalized, seamless shopping experiences. Leveraging first-party data, new tools like Brand Lift, Customer Lifetime Value, Multi-Touch Attribution, and Propensity Modeling will help brands target smarter and deliver more relevant campaigns. Initiatives such as Scan & Go Display Ads and omnichannel activations have already shown strong results, enhancing customer engagement and boosting sales. Future plans include integrating influencer-led content and GenAI-driven innovations to further optimize the member journey.

Walmart Launches "Grow with US" Program to Support Small Businesses

Walmart introduced "Grow with US," a new program designed to help U.S.-based small businesses succeed by offering training, mentorship, financing, and product discovery opportunities. The voluntary four-step program includes access to Walmart’s Supplier Academy, opportunities to showcase products, mentorship pairings, and financial support options. This initiative builds on Walmart’s long-standing commitment to American-made products and small business growth. Additionally, Walmart’s annual Open Call event, allowing businesses to pitch products directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants, will open for applications on June 24, 2025.

Walmart reported a 5.1 percent increase in revenue, reaching 681 billion dollars, and an 8.6 percent increase in operating income for fiscal year 2025.

CEO Doug McMillon attributed this success to Walmart’s people-driven, tech-powered approach. Over half of U.S. store managers received bonuses of at least 100,000 dollars, and 1.1 million employees now hold retirement savings. McMillon emphasized Walmart’s flexibility, innovation, and execution capabilities across both stores and eCommerce.

Chairman Greg Penner highlighted continued growth, with eCommerce sales increasing 20.8 percent year-over-year. The company also announced a 13 percent increase in its annual dividend to 94 cents per share, marking 52 consecutive years of dividend growth.

Lead Independent Director Tom Horton will step down from his role, with Randall Stephenson nominated to succeed him. Shareholders are asked to vote on 12 director nominees, 3 company proposals, and 7 shareholder proposals. The annual shareholders' meeting will be held virtually on June 5, 2025.

Walmart continues to operate as a global omnichannel retailer, serving 270 million customers weekly through its 10,750+ stores and online platforms across 19 countries.

Walmart and UNIFI Partner to Launch Circular Joyspun Socks Using Recycled Polyester

On Earth Day, Walmart unveiled a new sustainable product initiative through its private brand Joyspun, introducing socks made with REPREVE Takeback recycled polyester. The partnership with UNIFI, a leader in sustainable textile innovation, marks the first commercial use of this textile derived from post-industrial garment waste and recycled consumer products.

The Joyspun socks are made using UNIFI’s proprietary thermo-mechanical process, which blends clean, chopped post-consumer plastic bottles with fabric scraps from traditional clothing manufacturing. The result is a new fiber that gives polyester-rich waste materials a second life in the form of wearable products.

“This initiative is a step forward in reducing the massive volume of textile waste that ends up in landfills each year,” said Debasis Manna of Walmart’s private brand fashion team. “By using leftover fabric from garment production, we’re turning waste into resources without sacrificing quality or affordability.”

According to Earth.org, the average American throws away over 80 pounds of clothing annually. UNIFI reports that 92 million tons of textile waste are generated globally each year, with over 15 percent of all fabric discarded during production. The REPREVE Takeback program is designed to close this loop, creating a more circular and regenerative manufacturing process.

“This collaboration moves us closer to a future where products are intentionally made to be remade,” said UNIFI CEO Eddie Ingle. “It’s a practical, scalable solution that redefines waste as a valuable resource.”

The socks have already proven popular. Within their first week on shelves, the Joyspun Takeback sock became the second-best selling style in Walmart’s P6 dress sock assortment.

Walmart’s move reflects its broader sustainability goals: to offer quality, affordable products without compromising environmental responsibility. The company believes that sustainability and scale can go hand-in-hand.

Walmart Launches Spring Beauty Event with Over 1,800 Deals and In-Store Innovations

Walmart’s Spring Beauty Event, running from April 18 through May 31, introduces more than 1,800 savings across popular brands in skincare, cosmetics, haircare, and accessories. The seasonal promotion is part of Walmart’s broader effort to transform its beauty experience across stores and digital platforms.

This year’s event includes the launch of Beauty Bars in 40 select locations, allowing shoppers to sample products and speak with beauty experts. Online, Walmart is enhancing product discovery with editorial content and curated brand showcases.

The retailer continues to expand its premium offerings — adding 40+ new brands in the past year — while emphasizing accessibility and affordability. Walmart also highlighted its beauty accelerator program, Walmart Start, which supports emerging brands.

Top products featured this spring include the Olaplex shampoo and conditioner set, Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer, Versace Bright Crystal perfume, and Bubble’s Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer.

Walmart aims to position itself as a leading destination for beauty shoppers of all ages and life stages, offering both high-end and everyday essentials, both in-store and via its app.

Walmart of Mexico and Central America Announces $6 Billion Expansion to Boost Retail Footprint and Jobs

Walmart of Mexico and Central America has announced a landmark investment of $6 billion (more than 125 billion pesos) to significantly expand its store network across Mexico. The investment, unveiled on March 27, will support the opening of new locations under its well-known banners: Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenters, and Walmart Express.

The retailer currently operates 3,200 stores in nearly 700 municipalities across all 32 Mexican states. The expansion aims to further enhance customer access to affordable goods while strengthening local economies through job creation. Walmart estimates that the new stores will generate approximately 5,500 direct jobs, adding to its current workforce of more than 200,000 employees in the region.

This initiative reinforces Walmart’s long-term commitment to the Mexican and Central American markets, where it serves more than five million customers daily.

Walmart de México y Centroamérica, operating in six countries, reported consolidated revenue of over 958 billion pesos in 2024 and continues to position itself as a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 4,000 stores and 32 distribution centers in the region.

Walmart Expands Delivery to 12 Million More Households Using Geospatial Technology

Walmart has expanded its delivery services to 12 million additional U.S. households by implementing a new data-driven system based on geospatial technology. This system uses precise hexagonal grids instead of traditional zip codes to optimize delivery zones. The approach enables multiple Walmart stores to fulfill a single order more efficiently, improving same-day delivery accessibility.

By capturing real-time data—such as store capacity, drive time, and demand—within each hexagonal grid, Walmart can serve previously unreachable households. The hexagon-based model ensures complete area coverage, eliminating gaps common with square or circular zones.

This innovation enables faster, more reliable delivery, with a single seamless drop-off from multiple stores when necessary. All data used in this system is anonymized and handled in accordance with Walmart’s privacy policies.

Walmart spotlights sustainable sheep farming with Chilean partner Agromarin

Walmart has highlighted its nearly 30-year partnership with Agromarin, a family-owned farm in Southern Patagonia, Chile, as part of its commitment to sustainability and community development. Agromarin manages a 160,000-hectare farm home to 60,000 Merino sheep, producing both meat and wool with a focus on environmental stewardship and animal welfare.

Agromarin’s operations are certified organic and audited by the Global Animal Partnership. Sheep graze on massive paddocks of at least 2,000 hectares, allowing for pasture rotation that supports soil regeneration. The farm exports globally and supplies Walmart stores in Punta Arenas, the southernmost Walmart location on earth.

Walmart’s investment in Chile continues to grow, with plans to build 70 new stores and create 4,000 new jobs over the next five years. During a recent visit to Agromarin, Walmart International CEO Kath McLay emphasized the importance of sustainable local partnerships, calling the farm “a monument to global commerce and innovation.”

This long-standing relationship reflects Walmart’s broader goals of promoting local entrepreneurship and sustainable business models that benefit both communities and ecosystems.

Walmart Highlights Growth Strategy and Reaffirms Fiscal 2026 Outlook at Investor Meeting

At its Investment Community Meeting on April 9, 2025, Walmart emphasized its ongoing strategy to drive growth and deliver long-term shareholder value through a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel approach. The company reaffirmed its Q1 and full-year fiscal 2026 sales and operating income guidance.

CEO Doug McMillon stated that Walmart’s formula for success lies in delivering low prices, broad product selection, and convenience while maintaining customer trust. The company continues to focus on enhancing the customer experience across eCommerce, delivery, and in-store platforms, while also reshaping its business model to generate higher returns and improved capital efficiency.

CFO John David Rainey noted that despite some short-term headwinds, including less favorable product mix and potential tariff impacts, Walmart remains financially strong and committed to long-term growth.

Over the past two years, Walmart has achieved over 5% annual top-line growth and nearly 10% adjusted operating income growth. Highlights include eCommerce growth exceeding 20% annually, expanded delivery capabilities, increased membership renewals, and the $4.4 billion global advertising business. The company also noted progress in store renovations, private brand development, and international expansion, including the recent VIZIO acquisition and IPO preparations for PhonePe in India.

Walmart plans to continue strategic investments in automation, store upgrades, and price rollbacks, aiming to maintain its leadership in retail innovation and customer value.

Walmart highlights omnichannel growth strategy and shareholder value focus at Investment Community Meeting

At its annual Investment Community Meeting, Walmart outlined a forward-looking strategy emphasizing growth, enhanced customer experiences, and long-term shareholder value. President and CEO Doug McMillon described the company’s approach as “people-led, tech-powered,” centered on delivering low prices, broad assortments, convenience, and trust.

Key highlights included:

- Growth through experience: Walmart’s blend of low prices and expanding ecommerce offerings, combined with rapid delivery, curbside pickup, and in-store enhancements, continues to drive customer growth.

- Evolving profit model: The company’s reshaped business model aims to grow profits faster than sales by investing in pricing, wages, and technology while maintaining healthy cash flows and capital returns.

- Q1 outlook maintained: The company reaffirmed its Q1 guidance of 3–4 percent sales growth and unchanged full-year FY2026 guidance, while noting some Q1 income variability due to category mix and tariffs.

CFO John David Rainey emphasized Walmart’s transformation, pointing to higher returns from strategic investments. Since its 2023 investor meeting, Walmart has achieved:

- Over 5 percent annual top-line growth and nearly 10 percent growth in adjusted operating income
- Over 20 percent annual ecommerce growth, now 18 percent of net sales
- Delivery coverage for 93 percent of the U.S. within 3 hours
- Increased Sam’s Club and Walmart+ membership and renewals
- Growth of global advertising to 4.4 billion dollars and acquisition of VIZIO
- Renovation of nearly 2,000 stores and investment in 373 new ones
- 22 billion dollars in annual capital expenditures, including 19 billion in the U.S.
- More than 7 billion dollars in share repurchases and a record dividend increase
- Launch of 21 Walmart private brands exceeding 1 billion dollars in sales each

Additionally, Walmart reported that PhonePe has begun preparations for a potential IPO in India.

For more information or to view a replay of the livestream, visit Walmart’s investor site at stock.walmart.com.

Walmart+ Week Returns April 28–May 4 with Exclusive Member-Only Savings and Perks

Walmart announced that Walmart+ Week will take place from April 28 to May 4, 2025, offering exclusive savings and perks for members. This year's event includes a variety of limited-time benefits, such as one free Express Delivery, 50 cents off per gallon at Exxon and Mobil stations, up to two free Burger King sandwiches per day with a $1+ purchase, six months of the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan, $5 Walmart Cash for using Scan and Go in-store, and a $10 Walmart Cash engagement bonus for using multiple offers.

Walmart+ Week builds on the program’s strong momentum. Walmart+ has seen a 180% increase in same-day delivery usage year-over-year, contributing to the delivery of over 5 billion items in the past year. With coverage now reaching 93% of U.S. households, Walmart+ continues to expand its reach and value.

Beck Bennett is featured in a promotional campaign as the “Savings Whisperer,” sharing tips to help members get the most out of their benefits.

Walmart+ is positioned as more than a savings program; it’s driving member loyalty by offering value across food, fuel, streaming, and convenience, making the membership pay for itself.

Walmart Launches Skills-First Workforce Initiative to Expand Career Opportunities

Walmart is leading a national shift toward skills-first hiring by launching the Skills-First Workforce Initiative, aimed at opening career paths for the more than 80 million American workers without college degrees. The company, alongside major employers like Microsoft, Bank of America, and Verizon, is developing a standardized framework for evaluating and verifying skills over traditional educational credentials.

As part of this initiative, Walmart has funded the launch of Skills-First.org by the Burning Glass Institute. The site currently features skill profiles for nine common U.S. jobs and is set to expand to 30 roles, representing 40% of the workforce. These profiles include top skills, rising trends, and proficiency benchmarks using AI-driven labor market analysis.

Walmart is removing unnecessary degree requirements, investing $1 billion in training by 2026, and working with HR tech companies to integrate skills-based hiring tools into broader systems. Through these efforts, the company aims to support job mobility, reduce labor gaps, and promote economic growth across the country.

Walmart Offers Easter Deals with Meals Under $6 Per Person and Baskets Under $20

Walmart announced major Easter savings, including a full holiday meal priced at less than $6 per person and ready-made Easter baskets for under $20. The discounted offerings are available now through April 20.

The Easter meal, designed to serve eight, includes ham, green beans, potatoes, corn, mac and cheese, rolls, and dessert, all available for quick purchase online with options for same-day pickup or Express Delivery.

Walmart is also launching affordable and festive seasonal items, such as home décor, spring fashion, toys, and fresh florals, allowing customers to shop for everything Easter in one place.

The company emphasizes convenience and value, supporting its Every Day Low Price promise while enhancing shopping ease through one-click ordering and mobile app services.

Walmart is enhancing support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through Walmart Business and Walmart Marketplace. New tools like multi-user accounts, shared payments, and Walmart Business+ rewards help SMBs streamline operations and save money. The company’s survey found that managing spending, inventory, and payroll takes up a significant portion of SMBs' time, limiting growth efforts.

To address this, Walmart offers efficient fulfillment options, access to millions of competitively priced products, and advanced tools for sellers on its Marketplace. Through advertising support, brand visibility tools, and dedicated seller resources, Walmart helps SMBs grow faster and more efficiently — reflecting its mission to support smarter business growth at scale.

Walmart is expanding its beauty offerings this spring with new premium products and fresh additions through its Walmart Start accelerator program. The 2025 Start class includes innovative brands like Maison 276, Nappy Styles, Lattafa, and Kativa, all delivering on-trend, affordable solutions for haircare and fragrance.

The premium beauty category is also growing with brands like La Roche-Posay, Buxom, and Tizo now available at Walmart. With more choices than ever across skincare, makeup, and hair tools, Walmart aims to be a one-stop destination for beauty shoppers seeking both everyday essentials and luxury products.

Walmart has introduced Wally, a generative AI-powered assistant designed to enhance productivity for its merchants by automating data analysis, reporting, and operational support. Merchants play a crucial role in sourcing products and making strategic decisions based on complex data. Traditionally, analyzing sales performance across stores, regions, and channels required multiple reports and extensive data processing.

Wally streamlines these tasks by instantly generating insights, diagnosing performance trends, answering operational questions, and performing advanced calculations. Built on Walmart’s proprietary data, Wally is designed to be intuitive, requiring no technical training. Merchants can ask questions and receive actionable insights in seconds, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making rather than manual reporting.

Developing Wally required building a semantic layer to understand Walmart’s unique data landscape. The AI assistant efficiently processes large volumes of product information through advanced algorithms and a strong computational infrastructure. Early feedback from Walmart merchants has been highly positive, and the company plans to further refine Wally based on user input. Future improvements may enable the AI to take autonomous actions within set guidelines, further optimizing merchandising operations.

By automating time-intensive tasks, Wally allows Walmart merchants to focus on delivering the right products to customers efficiently and effectively, aligning with the company’s goal of enhancing customer experiences.

Sam’s Club has introduced the Member’s Mark golf ball, catering to a new generation of golfers who prioritize social connection and recreation over competition. With Millennials and Gen Z making up over a quarter of U.S. golfers, the retailer is expanding its private brand assortment to offer high-quality, affordable golf equipment that enhances accessibility to the sport.

The Member’s Mark golf ball is designed for players of all skill levels, featuring a specialized dimple pattern and carefully selected core, mantle, and cover materials to optimize performance. Beginner and average golfers will benefit from softer compression for better control, increased ball speed, and a mid-to-high trajectory for straighter shots. Skilled players will appreciate the polyurethane cover for advanced shot-making, a stable dimple pattern, and optimized aerodynamics for consistent flight.

Sam’s Club aims to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for its members, aligning with the values of younger generations who prioritize fitness, family, and recreation. The Member’s Mark 3-Piece Golf Balls are now available in a 24-pack for $27.98.

Walmart has launched its Baby Days event, offering discounts on essential baby products both online and in-store through March 31. The sale includes deals on items such as car seats, strollers, diapers, baby monitors, and exclusive Paris Hilton x Monica + Andy clothing. Walmart aims to help parents save on high-quality, trusted brands.

Additionally, Walmart has reimagined its Baby Registry to make planning for a new arrival easier. The updated registry offers a free welcome box, gift tracking, online and in-store shopping, checklists for guidance, and an exclusive one-year return window for registry users.

To enhance convenience, Walmart provides Express Delivery for thousands of baby products, with some items arriving in as little as 30 minutes, along with curbside pickup options. The goal is to give parents more time to focus on their baby while making shopping fast and stress-free.

Walmart reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results, with continued revenue growth and expanding profitability. Fourth-quarter revenue increased 4.1% year-over-year to $180.6 billion, or 5.3% in constant currency. Operating income grew 8.3%, with adjusted operating income rising 9.4% in constant currency. Global eCommerce sales surged 16%, driven by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery as well as growth in Walmart U.S. marketplace. Walmart U.S. comparable sales grew 4.6%, supported by strong performance in general merchandise.

For the full year, Walmart generated $681.0 billion in revenue, reflecting a 5.1% increase, or 5.6% in constant currency. Operating income rose 8.6%, or 9.7% on an adjusted constant currency basis, outpacing revenue growth. The company’s global advertising business expanded 27% to reach $4.4 billion. Walmart also improved return on assets (ROA) to 7.9% and return on investment (ROI) to 15.5%, up 50 basis points. Inventory increased by 2.8%, maintaining healthy in-stock levels.

CEO Doug McMillon emphasized Walmart’s momentum, citing strong customer engagement, competitive pricing, and improving eCommerce delivery times. The company continues to gain market share and focus on operational efficiency.

Walmart ended the year with $9.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents and total debt of $45.8 billion. Operating cash flow for fiscal year 2025 reached $36.4 billion, a $0.7 billion increase, while free cash flow totaled $12.7 billion. The company repurchased 61.9 million shares for $4.5 billion and increased its dividend by 13% to $0.94 per share, marking its largest increase in over a decade.

Looking ahead, Walmart expects net sales growth of 3% to 4% for fiscal year 2026 and adjusted operating income growth of 3.5% to 5.5% in constant currency, despite a 150-basis-point headwind from the acquisition of VIZIO and the impact of the leap year comparison.

Symbotic Inc. has entered into a Master Automation Agreement with Walmart Inc. on January 27, 2025, in connection with the completion of a series of transactions under a Purchase Agreement. The agreement outlines the terms for the development, manufacture, and installation of accelerated pickup and delivery systems (APDs) by Symbotic LLC for Walmart. Walmart has committed to purchasing 400 APDs, with an option to buy an additional 200 APDs within 30 days of accepting the 220th unit.

Symbotic will receive $520 million in research and development fees for the APDs, with payments scheduled over a three-year period. Walmart will also have the right to recommend an independent director to Symbotic's board, as long as it owns more than 5% of Symbotic's equity. Walmart is also granted an observer role at board meetings.

The contract is set to last for 12 years, with terms allowing for termination under specific circumstances such as insolvency or failure to meet performance standards. Walmart has also secured favorable terms for Symbotic’s systems and services.

The agreement is part of a broader strategic move that includes Symbotic's acquisition of Walmart Advanced Systems & Robotics Inc., completing the previously announced deal under a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated January 15, 2025. The announcement was made via a press release issued on January 28, 2025.

Symbotic has also issued forward-looking statements regarding the business impact of these transactions, noting potential risks and uncertainties.