Busy Walmart in Mississauga getting millions in upgrades and renovations

One of Walmart’s busiest stores, located in the heart of Mississauga, is going to become the brand’s “store of the future” once it receives $300 million in remodels and renovations.

It will also be home to the first Walmart Health hub in Canada, meaning part of the store will be dedicated to pharmacy, vision and medical services. 

Today (Dec. 1), Walmart Canada announced that its Square One location–the retailer’s largest store by square foot–will become the brand’s flagship store. The sizeable investment will allow the store to “act as a prototype for omnichannel innovation.”

According to a news release, the store will feature immersive retail experiences that will allow shoppers to experience products “in new ways.” The store’s electronics department will be remodelled to feature open displays that will encourage customers to touch the merchandise. 

The company says shoppers can see product availability in real-time, scan a QR code to place their order and have the product delivered on-site by a store employee. 

As for the health hub, the news release says the store will feature a medical clinic (as well as other medical services) and will be supported by Walmart’s pharmacy app. 

The health hub will be the first of its kind in Canada. 

The renovations will also provide a dedicated space for employees to pick, pack and stage customer orders. 

The $300 million investment is part of an overall $3.5 billion multi-year modernization plan, which will impact store locations across the country. 

“Walmart Canada has an ambition to be the most trusted retailer for Canadians. This is what we’ve worked towards for the last 30 years and it’s why we continue to invest, including nearly $1 billion this year, to build an even more efficient, consistent and reliable omnichannel experience for Canadians,” said Gonzalo Gebara, president and CEO of Walmart Canada, in a statement. 

“We’re excited to welcome our customers into our modernized stores and for them to experience the future of Walmart Canada, no matter how they choose to shop with us.” 

Walmart Canada said it plans to upgrade 55 stores in Canada, with refurbishments planned for locations in Rexdale, Mississauga (both the Erin Mills and Square One locations), Newmarket, Montreal, Kamloops and others. 

The company says upgrades to 20 stores this year include new aisle markets and signage, updated Fresh departments, improved technology and more. 

The company says it’s also made improvements to its e-commerce facilities.