Wal-Mart to Open First Wal-Mart to Go Convenience Store Format this Week
Wal-Mart is opening its newest, one-of-a-kind format this week near its corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. The new 2,500 square foot store, named Wal-Mart to Go, is designed to provide consumers with a little bit of everything. Intended as a convenience store, grocery, and quick-serve restaurant hybrid, Wal-Mart U.S. CEO Bill Simon hopes to capture a growing sector of the retail market – one that can compete against other convenience stores like Dollar General.
According to CBS 6, the store is intended to provide customers with a “quick and easy solution for gas, snacks, and beverages, as well as grocery staples like milk, bread, and eggs.” The City Wire reports that the store’s mini-grocery area spans five wide aisles, carrying hundreds of packaged foods and non-edible items from breakfast cereals to dog food and diapers. The food-to-go section includes fresh fruit, with a selection of deli meats, sandwiches, and other meat entrees from Wal-Mart’s partner Bentonville Butcher & Deli. Outside, Wal-Mart to Go features six gas pumps with a covered awning and a picnic area nearby.
“One of the unique aspects of the store is all the items are priced at Wal-Mart everyday low prices,” said Deisha Barnett, Senior Director of Corporate Communications. “It’s a quick stop – gas, a couple of items. It’s about where they want to shop, when they want to shop.”
The store had a soft opening on Saturday, March 15 and plans to hold the grand opening on March 19.
Although Wal-Mart has no plans to open any other Wal-Mart to Go locations in other areas, it will be interesting to see how this compares to the retailer’s other smaller format stores Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market and Wal-Mart Express.
