Walmart’s Five-Year Commitment to Growth and Investment in Chilean Communities

Walmart Chile has announced a major five-year investment plan valued at $1.3 billion, aimed at enhancing the retailer’s presence and support for local communities. This significant investment includes the opening of 70 new stores in various formats and the creation of 4,000 new jobs, further reinforcing Walmart’s ongoing commitment to its mission of helping Chileans save money and live better.

Walmart Chile President and CEO Cristián Barrientos emphasized that the investment is more than just a financial commitment to infrastructure and technology—it is an investment in people and communities. “We are building a better future for everyone, for future generations, and for our children. We trust in Chile. We trust in its people. We continue exploring together,” said Barrientos.

Kath McLay, Walmart International President and CEO, added that this investment will enhance Walmart’s value proposition by offering customers low prices on essential products and solutions that can improve their quality of life. “This announcement allows us to further enhance our value proposition to customers through low prices on basic products, as well as products and solutions that improve their quality of life,” McLay stated.

The announcement was made in Punta Arenas, the location of Walmart’s southernmost store in the world. Accessing the southern tip of Chile is no easy feat due to challenging weather conditions. Punta Arenas is more than 2,000 miles from Walmart’s central distribution center, and the area has faced extreme weather, with temperatures dipping to -15°F in 2024. These conditions often result in road closures and difficult border crossings, but Walmart has developed a complex logistics network utilizing land, air, and sea routes to keep stores supplied. When conditions become too harsh, Walmart relies on a reserve storage system, “El Oso” (the bear), to ensure customers have access to essentials.

In addition to its physical store strategies, Walmart has also implemented an e-commerce initiative in the region, delivering products via ferry to Puerto Toro, the southernmost inhabited community on Earth, with just 25 residents.

“This is what drives us,” Barrientos said, underscoring the significance of these challenges. “Our value proposition aims to reach every corner of Chile—from Putre in the far north to Biobío in the central south. And to so many other places whose inhabitants motivate us to continue seeking new ways to approach, listen to, and serve them… to become their best ally and neighbor.”

Walmart’s ongoing investment also includes expanding into new regions such as Vallenar, Los Vilos, and Pozo Almonte. To support this growth, Walmart will construct a ninth distribution center in southern Chile, which will further bolster the company’s omnichannel capabilities and improve nationwide access to its products and services.

In alignment with Walmart’s global sustainability goals, this investment also features concrete measures to mitigate climate change and promote nature restoration. As part of Walmart’s commitment to becoming a regenerative company by 2040, more than 50 stores will incorporate solar panels, ensuring that over 80% of Walmart Chile’s energy is sourced from renewable resources. Additionally, the company plans to introduce 25 new recycling points across the country by 2025.

Walmart Chile is one of the largest players in the retail industry, with a presence in the country for over 15 years. It operates 399 stores under various formats, including Lider, Express de Lider, Lider.cl, SuperBodega aCuenta, and Central Mayorista, reaching communities from Arica in the north to Puerto Toro in the south. With around 40,000 employees, Walmart Chile is the third-largest employer in the country, continuing its mission of helping Chileans save money while enhancing their quality of life.

Cristián Barrientos, who took the helm in 2023, brings 25 years of experience within Walmart, both in Chile and Central America. Under his leadership, Walmart Chile continues to play a pivotal role in the retail market, prioritizing customer satisfaction and community engagement while fostering a sustainable future.

Walmart Inc., the parent company of Walmart Chile, is a global leader in retail with operations in 19 countries and more than 10,500 stores. In fiscal year 2024, Walmart generated revenue of $648 billion and employed approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. As the largest supermarket and retail chain in the world, Walmart remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and providing excellent customer experiences across its global network.

Walmart Chile’s latest investment is a clear indication of the company’s dedication to long-term growth in Chile, supporting local communities, and contributing to a more sustainable future for the country and beyond.

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