Walmart’s new urban store format opens in Chicago

Walmart is testing out its new small format store for urban markets with the debut of its first Walmart Express in Chicago.

Located in the Chatham neighbourhood, the Walmart Express is 10,000 sq. ft.–one tenth the size of the company’s traditional outlets.

The smaller format is competing with dollar stores that feature food and general merchandise in smaller footprints.

The retailer is also hoping the format will turnaround its recent sales slump.

Anthony Hucker, vice-president of strategy and business development at Walmart is leading the charge with Walmart Express. He comes from German discounter Aldi.

Experts say there is a multibillion dollar growth opportunity in many cities for Walmart to penetrate.

Early results of the Walmart Express stores it tested in June in rural parts of Arkansas and North Carolina have been positive.

Four more Express stores will open in Chicago.

In Canada, Walmart is set to debut its Urban 90 format in east Toronto in January that is about 15,000 sq. ft. on a 4.5-acre site–Walmart typically needs eight to 10 acres for its stores.