Walmart rolling out major change to over 2000 stores with bosses saying the update will improve shopper’s experience 

WALMART is rolling out a major change to over half their store footprint in a bid to reduce employee workload and allow them to spend more time helping shoppers.

The retail giant is introducing digital shelf labels, meaning it can update price changes in an instant.

NRF / Jason Dixson Photography

Walmart CEO John Furner gave the opening address of the National Retail Federation’s 2025 annual Big Show[/caption]

Walmart

Walmart has been testing digital shelf technology in stores since 2019 and is now rolling it out to over half of its retail footprint[/caption]

Speaking on a panel at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show conference in New York City, Walmart Executive Vice President Cedric Clark explained the tech overhaul would provide a more streamlined shopping experience for consumers both online and in-store.

Clark is responsible for running operations in more than 4,700 stores across the country, leading 1.2 million store associates.

He told retail industry leaders that the change would both enhance customer trust and also boost satisfaction for retail employees.

If you think about a tedious task, and change it, the goal is to take that time to allow the associate to be empowered to engage with the customer, to delight the customer’s experience and make sense of it

Cedric ClarkWalmart Executive Vice President

“And part of that journey is leveraging not just the simplicity of the price, but what we can do with it to actually enhance experiences, that will increase our accuracy availability which is exactly what customers want.”

Walmart has been testing digital shelf labels since early 2019, and now plans to add the technology to 2,300 US stores by the end of this year.

The retail giant sells over 120,000 products on shelves, each with an individual price tag meaning price changes for retail staff could take days.

Clark added that the technology meant empty shelves were quickly restocked.

Clark told the panel that while it may seem like a small change, it was actually a “fundamental” adjustment to the architecture of Walmart stores, and makes the brand the largest retailer implementing the technology.

“So we already have it in 400 plus stores and we have a plan which is awesome to get them in half of our stores, and we have 4500 stores so that’s probably larger than any other retailer,” Clark said.

“So that’s really exciting.

“Can you imagine just pulling out your phone and about two clicks in, it actually changes those prices…just hit that button.”

FEARS OVER SECRET PRICE INCREASES

However, some shoppers have criticized the technology claiming it will leave them paying more.

Customers fear Walmart may begin tampering with prices in secret, but the retailer denies these accusations.

Clark said the technology is battery based, meaning it does not get shut down if stores ever lose power in places like Texas.

Clark has an inspiring story and has been with Walmart for 22 years, first starting with the company in the sporting goods department selling fishing licenses in a store.

STAFF HAPPINESS SOARING

He noted Walmart shops were often “really big”, and the new change cuts down the amount of travel time for the staff members, creating higher staff satisfaction levels.

“We’ve creating this opportunity to have associates being well positioned, to look at their business, and allow them to do what they really do best which is to spend time with customers. 

“What is exciting is staff engagement is up, and also the trust that is being built too.

“And then the productivity gains are there too…the associates are building trust with customers to make it the best place to shop and work.”

In related news, the Walmart CEO revealed Sam’s Club members could soon skip receipt checks thanks to new AI.

Plus, a Walmart shopper got a “severe discount” after the store accidentally marked down an item by 97%.