Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon on Friday outlined his vision for the future of Walmart
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart intends to reinvent retail and capture the hearts, minds and wallets of its customers through servitude - Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon told the some 14,000 attendees of Walmart's 46th Annual Shareholders Meeting. McMillon identified three key constituents that should be served by the retailer - its own employee base, customers and the communities in which its stores operate.
“As the world becomes more digital, it will be the humanity of Walmart that differentiates us and wins with customers,” he said. “Our investments in education and training, store structure, wages, hours and sales floor technology are to support you and enable you to serve your customers and members. Every associate has a role to play. The actions of 2.3 million of you add up to something big.”
McMillon on Friday outlined his vision for the future of Walmart and urged the company’s 2.3 million associates to write the next chapter in Walmart’s story, saying “We have the opportunity to reimagine retail again.”
McMillon reinforced the call to action by announcing that Walmart is now working with Uber and other partners to test deliveries to customers from U.S. stores and clubs. He also took to Facebook Live to connect directly with Walmart associates around the world and thank them for their service.
“This is our ambition globally: we want to be the first place busy families go to save money and time, especially on their everyday needs," McMillon said. "We’re connecting all the parts of Walmart into one seamless shopping experience with great stores, easy pickup, fast delivery, and apps and websites that are simple to use.”
McMillon went on to recap the progress Walmart has made in creating a seamless shopping experience for customers around the world. In the U.S., Walmart associates are more engaged, merchandise assortment is improving, and inventory flow is better. Online grocery pickup has rolled out in nearly 40 markets.
Additionally in the U.S., the retailer will offer Walmart Pay in every store by the end of this month to make the checkout experience faster and easier. And the retailer has recently announced an unlimited two-day shipping option from Walmart.com and a rapid online assortment expansion.
“We’ll be there for our customers – making their lives simpler and better. And customers will choose Walmart because we’ve earned it,” McMillon said.
McMillon also spoke about the company’s role in serving communities.
“Our customers care about their neighbors, their planet and their children’s future. They want to buy products that are good for the environment and the people who made them," he said. "They want items that are safe and healthy for their families. And ultimately they want to spend their money with a retailer they trust. We earn trust by operating in a way you and your family can be proud of. We'll do that and more.”