Walmart adding 4 fulfillment centers, more than 4,000 jobs

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN

Walmart is adding four new fulfillment centers to its existing capacity, a move that will bring more than 4,000 jobs and make next- or two-day shipping available to more Americans.

The announcement comes at a time when consumers are relying on packages being shipped to their homes more than ever before. While online ordering has continued to increase over the years, the pandemic saw a huge surge in such orders as Americans stayed home during lockdowns and had essential items and other goods delivered to their doors. While coronavirus restrictions have eased, many consumers’ online ordering habits remain.

Aside from a growth in online orders, Walmart and other retailers are trying to make sure that their shipping speed keeps pace with rival Amazon, which offers same-day, one-day and two-day delivery options for those who pay for its Prime membership.

Walmart said Friday that its four next generation fulfillment centers will be built over the next three years. The centers, which feature robotics and machine learning, double the capacity and number of orders allowed to be fulfilled in a day. The four fulfillment centers will be able to provide 75% of the U.S. population with next- or two-day shipping on millions of items, including Marketplace items shipped by Walmart fulfillment services.



FILE - A Walmart sign displayed on the facade of a store in Hialeah Gardens, Fla., on June 1, 2017. Walmart is adding four new fulfillment centers to its existing capacity, a move that will bring more than 4,000 jobs and make next- or two-day shipping available to more Americans. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/business-e7a85a279e90351fa8e52eae35beff56

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Food inflation through the roof

Sales in non-food categories are slow and they need to maintain profit margins and build warehouses?

[Dr. T]

3. I agree.

Something doesn't smell right about this. I trust Walmart management about as far as I can throw Walmart management.

[Ziggysmom]

2. I'd rather starve than shop at their stores. Will the workers be the usual part time low pay people

of Walmart that need more assistance like food stamps and Medicaid?

[not fooled]

4. Mainly robots

sounds like. So, not even low-wage humans.

[Ziggysmom]

6. I noticed years ago how Walmart also sells special versions of items not sold elsewhere.

The sizes of shampoo or liquid laundry detergent caught my eye. The price appeared to be lower than at my local grocery store, but the number of ounces was lower! What a scam! Later I learned from a friend's son who worked at Walmart that appliances and electronics are also often special, more cheaply made models exclusive to Walmart.

While the billionaire Walton family is worth over 200 BILLION $$$$$ and shoppers support their mistreatment of employees.

[Auggie]

5. 4000 low-paying jobs, minus the Mom & Pops they'll put out of business

The first three: Joliet, Illinois; McCordsville, Indiana; Greencastle, Pennsylvania