Aug. 18, 2023

Sleeker store displays, digital price labeling and a revamped self-checkout area are among the elements of Walmart’s “store of the future” design, which was unveiled today at its first Sioux Falls store.

For the past several months, the location at 3209 S. Louise Ave. has been renovated, including a full new floor, new layouts and signage throughout the store.

A ribbon-cutting was held today.

“We put in new walls, we’ve got new fixtures, the racks are new, we added mannequins, and I think the flow is better,” market manager Ardie Wardell said. “It’s got high walls that lead you through.”

Every department got some sort of update, though the overall merchandise mix didn’t change, he said.

There are additional self-checkout stations in a new layout to eliminate the “bullpen” format found in other stores.

“These are more customer-friendly,” Wardell said. “It lets you know where you’re at and how long of a line there is.”

The project also included new paint on the exterior and a reconfigured area for order pickup.

“I think the customer base in Sioux Falls has been very patient, from the road of how to get into this store and everything,” Wardell said. “I appreciate their patience, and it’s just been a good group and good community. They’ve been supportive and patient, and I think we pulled this thing together, and it’s going to pay off.”

About 430 people work at the Louise store, manager Andrew Johnson said, and hiring is going well.

“It’s a decent application flow. We’ve been able to hire in every position,” he said. “We’ve had good success.”

The store also includes a new Sioux Falls-themed mural inside the south entrance that’s part of a broader Walmart initiative.

The company’s other three stores in Sioux Falls will get a similar update in the next few years, Wardell said, adding he’s pleased with the performance of the market.

“I like where we sit,” he said. “I think we gain on customer traffic every year in Sioux Falls, so I think the four stores are doing a good job taking care of associates and taking care of customers, and this group of four gains a little bit every year.”

The market is well supported with four stores for now, he added.

“These stores are big enough to take care of the market for sure,” he said. “Ten years from now … they might have to put another one because Sioux Falls is growing.”

Walmart’s earnings beat expectations this week, and the company lifted its outlook for the fiscal year.

“We had another strong quarter. Around the world, our customers and members are prioritizing value and convenience,” president and CEO Doug McMillan said in the company’s earnings release.

“They’re shopping with us across channels — in stores, Sam’s Clubs, and they’re driving e-commerce, which was up 24 percent globally. Food is a strength, but we’re also encouraged by our results in general merchandise versus our expectations when we started the quarter. Our associates helped deliver increases in transaction counts and units sold, and profit is growing faster than sales. We’re in good shape with inventory, and we like our position for the back half of the year.”