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Walmart of Mexico and Central America recently announced that the company will invest $6 billion to open additional stores across the region.
Stores will open under the Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenters and Walmart Express banners, according to a company announcement. The plan adds to a footprint of 3,200 stores operating in all 32 Mexican states.
“At its core, the investment represents Walmart’s long-term commitment to the region,” the company said in a release.
Walmart in 2016 invested $1.3 billion in the region to build new distribution centers and expand operations. Walmart opened its first Mexican store — a Sam’s Club — in Mexico City in 1991.
The big-box retailer has been putting billions of dollars into other parts of operational expansion. Walmart Canada at the start of the year said it will invest 6.5 billion Canadian dollars (around $4.5 billion) into its store and supply chain footprint. Last year, the company said it was investing $1.3 billion in Chile to open 70 stores and an additional distribution center.
Walmart also announced in 2024 a five-year plan to convert or build over 150 stores in the U.S. Last year was big for remodels as well, with the retailer revamping around 650 locations across 47 states and Puerto Rico. The new and updated stores embrace the “Store of the Future” concept with improved layouts, an expanded product assortment and tech to support associates.
The company last week also said it would open 15 new Sam’s Club locations annually and would remodel all of its 600 existing stores.
Earlier this month, Walmart confirmed its previous guidance, with net sales expected to grow 3% to 4% in 2025. Operating income is forecast to grow between 3.5% and 5.5%. The company expects annual growth to average around 4% in the long term.
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