Walmart is looking a little bit different these days.
The global retailer located at 1155 South Camino del Rio has spent the last four months remodeling the inside of its Durango store. The store’s latest remodel includes several new renovations.
It has introduced a gas station-style grab-and-go section stocked with a variety of snacks and drinks. The superstore has also updated the bathrooms, improved lighting and added new signage. But that’s not all – the floors have been updated, and there are now live furniture displays.
“Stores are scheduled for remodel to address changing customer needs as well as emerging innovations within the facility,” said Walmart spokesperson Jordan Callahan.
In a corporate news release, Walmart CEO John Furner said remodeled stores reflect the company’s future concept. The concept intends to expand product selections while making shopping more convenient.
“These efforts represent millions of dollars in capital investment of labor, supplies and tax revenue, which benefit their respective communities,” said Furner in the January news release. “And they’ll help us reach and serve even more customers.”
The Durango Walmart now has a Mobile+ scan & go lane. It is part of a membership perk that allows shoppers to use their phone to scan groceries. Once the shopper has scanned items, the app will send a QR code to the customer that can be used at the register to checkout. No more having to swipe each item at the checkout lane.
The store also added four more self-checkout kiosks to the front end of the store. Increasing the size of the self-checkout areas has become a trend in the grocery industry. Albertsons expanded its self-checkout area earlier this year.
Walmart is also offering paper bags at the self-checkout kiosks for 10 cents per bag. A Colorado law that took effect in January 2023 forced grocery stores to charge a 10-cent fee for using plastic bags.
At first, Walmart only offered reusable bags but has since started selling the paper bags.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
