Report: Walmart outlines strategic initiatives in New York
NEW YORK — Walmart plans to improve the customer experience, invest in its grocery business, and put pressure on suppliers to drive down prices, according to a Bloomberg report.
During an update to analysts and investors in New York on Wednesday, Greg Foran, head of Walmart’s U.S. business, said the company has launched several projects aimed at re-establishing price gaps over its rivals, including looking at how it works with its suppliers. "While we have pockets of leadership, in more competitive markets our gap is too small. And against some competitors we are beaten," Foran said.
Foran also said that investments in lower prices would be balanced against the need to invest in customer service. The company is focusing on improving the experience of customers and workers, as well as expanding store pickup and the grocery business, among other long-term plans.
He said improvements would be implemented so that "by the time we hit holiday season our stores are clean, tidy, well-merchandised and run by engaged associates. Today in the main we are not."
In other Walmart news on Wednesday, Arkansas native and Walmart CEO Doug McMillon took a firm stance against a “religious freedom” measure passed by the Arkansas House on Tuesday. The bill (HB1228) is similar to the one that has kicked up a firestorm in Indiana.
“Today’s passage of HB1228 threatens to undermine the spirit of inclusion present throughout the state of Arkansas and does not reflect the values we proudly uphold. For these reasons, we are asking Governor Hutchinson to veto this legislation,” McMillon wrote in a statement released on the retailer’s Twitter account.