Walmart debuts new sustainable, high-tech Arkansas HQ

Walmart has unveiled its new multibillion-dollar corporate headquarters.

The retail giant has opened the first two buildings on its new "home office" campus, which is located on a 360-acre site in Bentonville, Ark. The sustainably-designed workplace is designed to serve as the “heartbeat” of the company. According to Walmart, the campus establishes a “new standard” for corporate headquarters that prioritizes worker well-being, environmental stewardship, and public accessibility.  

"This isn't just a workplace," said Cindi Marsiglio, senior VP, corporate real estate, Walmart, in a post on the company's website. "It's a nod to our proud past and our bright future, sparking innovation and community. It’s a world-class campus, Walmart style – one that genuinely mirrors our core values and mission, respects our legacy and fuels our future."

The state-of-the art campus represents a multibillion-dollar investment in “associate experience, environmental leadership, and community development."  It features mass timber construction, smart building technology, offices powered by renewable energy and seamless integration with downtown Bentonville, Ark. The project was first announced in 2019, and the phased opening approach will continue throughout 2025.

[READ MORE: Gensler gets lead spot on Walmart's project team for new headquarters construction]

The new campus was unveiled the same week that Walmart announced in first “brand refresh” in nearly 20 years.

“Our new Home Office honors our heritage and the contributions that generations of associates have made to help people save and have a better life,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart’s CEO. “Our founder, Sam Walton, knew that when we all work together, ideas flourish, and this campus will allow us to keep making a positive difference in our customers’ lives for generations to come.”

At the heart of the new headquarters stands Sam Walton Hall, a 200,000-sq.-ft., two-story auditorium featuring advanced conference, learning and development spaces, where home office and field associates can collaborate together. 

In an opening ceremony held in the hall and open to associates from around the world, Walmart unveiled other key locations on the campus, including:

• Welcome Center: The campus gateway that welcomes visitors and associates.
• Helen's Amphitheatre: An outdoor venue honoring Helen Robson Walton's legacy, featuring terraced seating and a tree-canopied lawn for campus and community gatherings.
• 8th & Plate: A food hall offering global cuisine through seven coffee shops, food truck pavilions, grab-and-go markets, a rooftop lounge and street-front retail and restaurants.
• Office Spaces (Cheer and Ol’ Roy): With design, identity and imagery that evoke history, culture and leaders who have shaped Walmart, the first two of 12 office spaces will be unveiled, with more opening throughout the year.
• Street Front Retail: Retail shops open to the public feature locally and nationally recognized brands, including Bentonville Bicycle Company, Flyway Brewing, Gearhead Outfitters, The Gents Place, Hatch Early Mood Food, Jamba Juice, Riserva Bar + Tapas, Swig, Walmart Pharmacy, Wrights BBQ and Yokozuna Sushi. Street front retail will be available in Spring of 2025.