Walmex, the Mexican and Central American division of Walmart, has announced an ambitious investment strategy for 2024, with plans to allocate 34.5bn pesos ($2.0bn) to a range of growth initiatives - a 19% increase compared to the previous year's investment.
The announcement was made during Walmex Day 2024, where the company's executive president and CEO Guilherme Loureiro, outlined the strategic priorities and enablers that will drive value creation for all stakeholders.
Walmex will strategically invest the fund in customer-centric projects and drive long-term growth.
The company will allocate 45% of the funds for remodelling and maintaining existing stores and enhancing omnichannel capabilities.
The retailer operates retail outlets under the banners of Bodega Aurrera Suburbia, La Despensa de Don Juan, Sam's Club, Superama, Walmart and Walmart Express.
It will also invest in projects that will make stores more efficient, sustainable and accessible for those with disabilities.
Walmex will allocate 29% of the investment to construct new stores and clubs, as it aims to expand its reach and bring its value proposition to more customers.
The company expects these new stores to contribute between 1.4% and 1.6% to total sales growth in 2024, with Bodega earmarked as the main growth vehicle.
The supply chain will receive a 15% share of the investment, with a focus on expansion and modernisation to boost growth capacity and improve customer service.
The retailer will allot 11% of the funds towards strategic omnichannel and technology projects.
These projects are designed to enhance the shopping experience on digital platforms, improve analytics capabilities to better understand customer needs, and automate processes in stores and distribution centres to increase associate productivity.
In October 2023, Mexico’s competition regulator launched a “quasi-jurisdictional process” against Walmex's main Mexican subsidiary following a three-year investigation.