Nothing is forever in this ever-changing world, including that old fixture of U.S. retail, Walmart (WMT).
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Out With the Old
The group, which has been known for decades throughout the U.S. for its focus on value and cost savviness both in its 11,000 global stores and in its corporate structure, is shedding that old, careful image.
Instead, as it tries to compete in a more competitive and technologically driven landscape, it is making fundamental changes to its business.
At its recent Associates Week, where thousands of Walmart employees gather from around the globe, the company hailed the continuing work on building its new 350-acre headquarters, or campus. in Bentonville, Arkansas.
It will boast a hotel, amphitheater, fitness and childcare centers. Employees will use electric bikes to get around, and apparently, even robots will cut the grass. A fair shift away from everyday value carrots and beans.
Tech Talent
One of the aims is to try to tempt more tech talent away from the glamorous world of Silicon Valley to the doors of Walmart. “Obviously, it will play a role in the recruitment and retention of talent, particularly tech talent, where they have certain expectations,” Dan Bartlett, Walmart’s executive vice-president of corporate affairs told the New York Times.
Walmart is already making strides in developing new technology. It is launching a new GenAI-powered shopping assistant called Sparky in the Walmart app. The new system helps customers search for items, synthesize reviews and helps them to “prepare for any occasion.”
Walmart and drone delivery company Wing, which is owned by Alphabet (GOOGL), have also set out plans to roll out drone delivery to over 100 of the retailer’s stores in five new cities. These are in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa.
This new high-tech, dynamic image will soon be promoted to the U.S. public in a new advertising campaign with the tagline “Who knew?” It will highlight the company’s fast delivery times and huge product range.
Investors have already grasped the new Walmart story, with its shares up 45% over the last 12 months.
Is WMT a Good Stock to Buy Now?
On TipRanks, WMT has a Strong Buy consensus based on 28 Buy and 1 Hold ratings. Its highest price target is $120. WMT stock’s consensus price target is $109.71 implying an 11.95% upside.
