Wal-Mart looks to future at annual meeting

The CEO of Wal-Mart Stores called on associates to reimagine the chain’s future at the company’s 46th annual shareholders meeting.



“We have the opportunity to reimagine retail again,” said president and CEO Doug McMillon.



The meeting, as always, was part business and part entertainment. Held in the Bud Walton arena on the University of Arkansas campus, it was attended by 14,000 people and hosted by comedian and television personality James Corden. It also featured pop-star Nick Jonas and several other musicians.



The meeting was held as the chain’s efforts to improve its store and online business seem to be bearing fruit. Wal-Mart recently reported its seventh consecutive quarter of increased same-store sales at its U.S. locations. Traffic counts rose for the sixth straight quarter.



McMillon reinforced his call to reimagine retail by announcing that the chain is working with Uber and other partners to test same-day deliveries to customers. He also took to Facebook Live to connect directly with Walmart associates around the world to thank them for their service.



He went on to recap the progress Walmart has made in creating a seamless shopping experience for customers, and noted that in the United States, Walmart associates are more engaged, merchandise assortment is improving, and inventory flow is better. Also, online grocery pickup has rolled out in nearly 40 markets.



Additionally, the company announced that Walmart Pay will be rolled out in every store by the end of June to make the checkout experience faster and easier.



McMillon outlined three steps for the retailer’s reinvention: supporting and engaging Walmart associates, serving customers and serving communities.



“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.”