Walmart, the world's largest retailer based in Bentonville, Arkansas, is expanding its presence in the city with new initiatives for its employees and partnerships. The company recently announced that hundreds of thousands of its hourly workers in the United States are now eligible for bonuses as part of a new program that rewards store performance and tenure. This could mean up to $1,000 a year for full-time associates, while an employee with over 20 years of tenure could earn even more.
In addition to the bonus program, Walmart is also launching a training initiative for associates that includes facilities maintenance and HVAC technician roles. This move aims to open new career paths with higher earning potential and improve employee retention and recruitment in the competitive job market.
Meanwhile, Walmart's hometown of Bentonville has undergone significant changes in the last decade. New construction is occurring frequently, and craft cocktails, hipster coffee shops, chef-driven restaurants, and a members-only social club have appeared in the area. The city now attracts talent from all over due to Walmart's presence and its efforts to make Bentonville a more desirable location for workers.
Walmart is not only expanding its operations in Bentonville but also trying to hold off Amazon and maintain its title as the nation's largest retailer. The company offers groceries, household staples, sells ads, and expands its third-party marketplace to compete with the e-commerce giant.
Jordan Wright founded Wright's Barbecue in a food truck in Fayetteville in 2016 and has since expanded to five locations. The latest addition will be on Eighth Street at Walmart's new home office complex, which is still under construction. The barbecue franchise already had a partnership with Walmart, selling its sauces and seasonings in over 200 stores.
Walmart's new headquarters is expected to be ready for workers to move in around the first of the year. The campus will offer amenities such as pickleball courts and child care facilities, making it an attractive workplace for employees.