Walmart will revamp its produce departments at about 3,000 stores before next fall with wider aisles, a consolidated organic area and more visible fresh produce bins. Shoppers who buy fresh fruits and vegetables spend 55% more on an average shopping trip than those who don't, according to Nielsen.
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Walmart, which has given $550 million in worker bonuses since the pandemic began, says it will pay out an additional $390 million in bonuses June 25. The retailer has hired 150,000 associates in less than a month, and the next round of payouts will give full-time hourly workers employed by June 5 an extra $300, while part-time employees will pocket an additional $150.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon says the retailer has caught up to other retailers when it comes to fresh food quality thanks to its Produce 2.0 initiative. Improved produce department layouts will be introduced to about half of the retailer's stores next year.
Target raised its full-year guidance on stronger than expected third-quarter results, fueled by strong growth in apparel. Upgraded fashion departments with a growing list of private-label brands helped the retailer shore up profit margins and book an increase of more than 10% in apparel sales.
Walmart is unveiling its Produce 2.0 initiative, which will include new signage and shorter merchandise bins to create an "open market feel" for its produce section. Organic fare will be grouped together and aisles will be made wider to better accommodate traffic from online grocery shopping.
Walmart will court high school-age employees with perks including free SAT and ACT prep classes and the promise to pay for college through Walmart's "Live Better U" partnership with Guild Education. The offer will build on a previously announced program to help employees who haven't finished college earn their degrees.