Work is set to begin Monday on a $5.4 million renovation at Walmart that will include adding the first online grocery pickup in Columbia.
“This is a huge remodel. It’s Walmart putting back into the community, and we’re putting back into the store,” Store Manager Mike Lowery said. “It’s all about making it convenient for our shoppers.”
A grand opening for the remodeled facility is set for July 19, and the online grocery pickup will be available starting then, Lowery said.
Customers can order online, and Walmart employees will get the food for them. Lowery said associates will be receiving training for the next 90 days at other Walmart stores on that. The customer will get a notification when the order is ready, and it will be brought out to their car when they arrive.
“For that shopper who gets off of work at 5 o’clock and they don’t want to come inside Walmart, what can you do? Order online. We’ll bring it to your car,” Lowery said.
Other aspects of the remodel include self checkouts, LED lighting, new flooring, a new color scheme with gray and blue painting outside and white inside, updates to the deli, electronics and jewelry sections, new counters and shelves and an expanded assortment of foods, including more gluten-free products. There will also be a pickup tower where customers can order online and get the product inside a locker-type device.
Lowery said during the 14-week remodel they will have employees available to help navigate through the store to find things and hope to make it a smooth transition.
