What is a "Walmart Express"?

 

These were experiment stores, they were trying to get in the convenience store market. It failed. They are now focusing on Super Centers, Neighborhood Markets, and E-Commerce. Almost all the stores closing are within 10 miles of another store and Wal-Mart expects to be able to move these employees to those stores. Wal-Mart will still be net positive 150 stores after the planned openings. This was just an efficiency move and not a sign of any problem that I can see.

 

Wal-Mart's main focus I've read is competing with Amazon online.

These were experiment stores, they were trying to get in the convenience store market. It failed.

 

Thanks. Were there any of those around Kentucky? I can't remember seeing any.

Thanks. Were there any of those around Kentucky? I can't remember seeing any.

 

I don't believe so. They were on a trial basis in select markets. They learned a lot of the services provided were competing with offerings in the supercenter.

I'd be curious to see the locations being closed. Part of my brain says they will be close to other WMs vs being rural.

 

The 3 Florida stores are in extremely rural areas. We go through Cross City, on US19, when we go up to Tallahassee. It's in the middle of nowhere. It think there is a traffic light there, not sure though.

Global slowdown and this is a reflection that the MBAs think it will last a while.

 

The price of oil reflects this and there are projections that the 'oil glut' will last years. Cheap gas prices are great. But it also reflects a slow(ing) global economy.

 

As far as what to do with the buildings. A startup datacenter/cloud provider could suck them up and convert them into IT centers using 'building inside a building' architecture. The big shell is great for that. The build multiple 'rooms' as needed inside the shell.

There are a couple of Neighborhood Wal-Mart grocery stores in Louisville that are like ghost-towns constantly.

 

The Wal-Mart Super Center on Bashford Manor is like a zoo though.

 

Used to frequent the Marketplace in J-town quite a bit, it was always pretty busy. Every time I went in the one on Poplar Level it was empty.

 

Bashford Manor is a nightmare. I only go to that one in emergency situations.

These were experiment stores, they were trying to get in the convenience store market. It failed. They are now focusing on Super Centers, Neighborhood Markets, and E-Commerce. Almost all the stores closing are within 10 miles of another store and Wal-Mart expects to be able to move these employees to those stores. Wal-Mart will still be net positive 150 stores after the planned openings. This was just an efficiency move and not a sign of any problem that I can see.

 

Wal-Mart's main focus I've read is competing with Amazon online.

 

WM vs. Amazon would be a titanic bout, much bigger than the Walgreens vs. CVS battle a few years ago. WM is significantly behind Amazon in tech but should have the $ to catch up, if they have the desire to be in second place while they grow.

WM vs. Amazon would be a titanic bout, much bigger than the Walgreens vs. CVS battle a few years ago. WM is significantly behind Amazon in tech but should have the $ to catch up, if they have the desire to be in second place while they grow.

 

I was reading up on this situation. Wal-Mart let investors know there will be a cut in earnings do to the amount of money they are investing in tech. So it sounds like Wal-Mart is planning on serious battle.

Most stores that are being shut down are within 10 miles of another WalMart. Another big chunk are some of their stores in Brazil that are losing the most money, It's tough in Brazil for them. Some are closing in Central America too.

Most stores that are being shut down are within 10 miles of another WalMart. Another big chunk are some of their stores in Brazil that are losing the most money, It's tough in Brazil for them. Some are closing in Central America too.

 

I think it's tough in Brazil for just about everybody right now... To say their economy is struggling would be an understatement.

You could convert the land that houses those giant buildings into schools.

You could convert the land that houses those giant buildings into schools.

 

I recall hearing that was one of Ft. Wright's ideas after that store ran it's useful life (I think they estimated 20-25 years).

There are a couple of Neighborhood Wal-Mart grocery stores in Louisville that are like ghost-towns constantly.

 

The Wal-Mart Super Center on Bashford Manor is like a zoo though.

 

When we visit our daughter in Louisville, that's where she stocks up. We must go during down times; probably never had to wait in line more than 5 minutes.

 

Small sample size though; only been 10 or 12 times total.

Would not surprise me although if 95% are within 10 miles of other stores you would think both stores would be affected instead of just one.

 

The radio report I heard this afternoon stated the stores to be closed would be poor performers that are within 10 miles or so of another. None in the Cincy metro area would be affected.

WM vs. Amazon would be a titanic bout, much bigger than the Walgreens vs. CVS battle a few years ago. WM is significantly behind Amazon in tech but should have the $ to catch up, if they have the desire to be in second place while they grow.

 

Never underestimate first to market. Additionally, Wally cant touch Amazon customer service levels. Walmart may be better off focusing on crushing Costco.