Five Walmart changes in 2023 – customers will notice a different shopping experience

CUSTOMERS may notice changes to their shopping experience as Walmart has implemented five changes.

As the giant retailer made some notable shifts last year, many shoppers are saying sayonara.

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Although, some of the revisions could be necessary if customers want to continue purchasing their favorite items for the affordable prices they’re used to. 

Some switches include targeted advertisements, the removal of paper or plastic bags, and anti-theft tactics. 

However, not all changes are negatively impacting shoppers.

Walmart is adding some pretty interesting adjustments that could make shopping more convenient and even cheaper.

We’ve rounded up the five major changes shoppers should expect to see in the new year.

1. Text to Shop

Walmart officially launched the “Text to Shop” feature in December of last year as a way to bring even more convenience to shoppers.

The feature is connected to your Walmart account where the company will then keep track of your items and even previously purchased items.

It works like this: text the items you need, and they will all get added to your cart.

Then choose from the selection of products, including items from your local store and from Walmart.com.

Text “reorder” to review and add your frequently ordered items to your cart.

Shoppers then checkout via text or the Walmart app and select the time slot for pickup or delivery.

2. New bag policy

As of January 1, the company banned single-use plastic or paper bags in four states, including Colorado, Vermont, Maine, and New Jersey, as well as in Canada.

But on January 18, Walmart will ban single-use plastic or paper bags at checkout nationwide.

This means customers must bring their own bags or buy reusable bags in-store for 77 cents to $3.98 – depending on the size.

In a 2020 blog post, Walmart announced it was joining the Beyond The Bag initiative, hoping to identify, test, and implement sustainable design solutions and models for the current retail bag.

The company is “working with suppliers to use less packaging, design for recyclability, and improve waste reduction systems,” according to its website.

3. Anti-theft tactics

With theft at an all-time high, the company decided to implement a new policy where it locked away certain items behind plexiglass.

Items like laundry detergent, hair care products, and even ice cream have been tucked away and require employee assistance.

Doug McMillon, chief executive officer of Walmart, said persistent shoplifting could cause stores to close and prices to increase.

While the tactic is meant to prevent theft and keep shoppers safe, they did not take kindly to it.

One Walmart customer said, “I am no fan of Walmart. I don’t think it’s a comment on the consumers legitimately buying these items, but it is frustrating to get a human being to open those darn cases.”

4. Growing inventory

The company has decided to amp up its product offerings across multiple sectors: electronics, home goods, beauty items, and 1,400 new toys.

Of these new toy offerings, over half are under $50, and several are even under $25.

Walmart also added a discount section on its website called Flash Picks.

These are daily deals on favorite items but only last for a limited time.

5. Store of the future

Walmart launched its newly remodeled store – complete with showrooms, revamped digital displays, and Claire’s outlet in-store.

Officials have told multiple outlets that the Beavercreek location is the “store of the future” and will be used as a prototype for future Walmart stores.

The retailer invested $130million into 28 stores, including this Beavercreek upgrade.

Much like the store in Springdale, Arkansas, it will include mock bedrooms.

This means that shoppers can now physically put together Walmart products to visualize what products might look like in their home.

Plus, the new bedroom displays will also have QR codes that customers can scan with their smartphones taking them directly to the products on Walmart.com.

There will also be digital displays in the electronics section with more information on some of the products.

The digital displays will also be featured in the pet supply area and the baby section.

The new store also added a Claire’s outlet inside the store, training employees on how to pierce ears.

There are also some structural changes to the store like new lighting fixtures and relocated sections that offer better paths for shoppers.

The U.S. Sun revealed 11 hidden clearance items at Walmart for 50 percent off.

Plus, check out two hair tools on Walmart hidden clearance and start at just $14.