Walmart Canada is making its biggest investment yet, committing $4.51 billion USD over the next five years to open new stores and upgrade its supply chain. The retail giant plans to build dozens of new locations, starting with five new Supercentres in Ontario and Alberta by 2027.
Alongside its expansion, Walmart Canada is also selling its fleet business to Canada Cartage, which will now handle deliveries to more than 400 stores nationwide.
“Across the country, we’re making strategic investments in our online and in-store offerings to be more relevant to more customers than ever before,” said Joe Schrauder, Walmart Canada’s Chief Operations Officer.
The investment builds on the company’s previous $3.5 billion plan, announced in 2020, which modernized over 180 stores and added new distribution centers. A new high-tech DC in Vaughan will open this spring, further strengthening Walmart Canada’s supply chain.
The company is also investing in wage increases for frontline workers, having already put nearly $200 million into pay raises in 2024.
“Walmart Canada is on an ambitious growth journey to serve even more Canadians better and differently than ever before,” said Gui Loureiro, Regional CEO of Walmart Canada, Chile, Mexico, and Central America.
The retailer’s expansion follows similar moves by Walmart in the U.S., which recently announced plans to open 150 new stores. Other companies, like Target, have also been adding new locations to keep up with the demand for free and curbside delivery services.
The first new Walmart Supercentres will open in Port Credit and Oakville, Ontario, in 2025, followed by three more in Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray, Alberta, by 2027.
Walmart Canada’s decision to sell its in-house fleet business will allow the company to focus more on store expansion and supply chain improvements.
“Canada Cartage has deep expertise in providing dedicated fleet services and has been serving Canadian businesses for more than 110 years,” said Matt Kelly, VP of Supply Chain at Walmart Canada. “Through Canada Cartage, we can serve customers even better and more flexibly and provide fleet employees with exciting growth opportunities.”
https://www.supplychain247.com/article/walmart-canada-expanding-with-dozens-of-new-stores-by-2027