Wal-Mart’s Big Hispanic Move

April 7, 2009

Wal-Mart is endlessly fascinating for their clear eyed view of and response to the marketplace. It’s not just that they see demographic and cultural changes but they create and execute strategies that leave their competition in the dust.

A case in point is Wal-Mart’s decision to open a new store division, Supermercado de Wal-Mart. According to the blog, Citizen Sugar, “Retail giant Wal-Mart will soon open Hispanic-focused grocery stores in Texas and Arizona. The staff will be bilingual and the stores will feature tortilla bakeries, a larger selection of Spanish-language music and DVDs, and a wide assortment of Hispanic food.”

In addition to Supermercado de Wal-Mart, the company is also opening an Hispanic version of its Sam’s Club called Club Mas.

It is interesting that Wal-Mart feels they actually need a completely separate shopping venue to attract Hispanic shoppers. When you look at Wal-Mart success in Mexico, it makes you wonder if they are planning a cross border strategy. Now that is a global retailer.

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on April 7, 2009 | Comments (6)

January 7, 2012

In response to: Wal-Mart’s Big Hispanic Move
Justice commented:

A million thanks for pstoing this information.

January 5, 2012

In response to: Wal-Mart’s Big Hispanic Move
Pebbles commented:

The expertise shines through. Thanks for taking the time to ansewr.

January 5, 2012

In response to: Wal-Mart’s Big Hispanic Move
Pebbles commented:

The expertise shines through. Thanks for taking the time to ansewr.

April 13, 2009

In response to: Wal-Mart’s Big Hispanic Move
Carina commented:

I don't think it has anything to do with not alienating non-Spanish-speaking customers! The trend in the US is that when exposed to "Latino products" we tend to adopt them and make them our own. Whose kids don't want a piñata at their birthday party? Nacho sales out perform hot dog sales at baseball games... I could go on. I think that Wal-Mart, in their wisdom and willingness to be responsive to the consumer understand the value of making Latinos feel welcome, and in providing products and store ambience that is familiar and attractive. Rock on, Wal-Mart... we can all take a lesson from your example here. Now, about how your compensate your employees....

April 9, 2009

In response to: Wal-Mart’s Big Hispanic Move
frankenstroud commented:

Maybe it's not so much a change to attract Hispanic customers but more focused on not alienating Non Spanish speaking Caucasian shoppers in the traditional Wal Mart stores.

April 9, 2009

In response to: Wal-Mart’s Big Hispanic Move
frankenstroud commented:

Maybe it's not so much a change to attract Hispanic customers but more focused on not alienating Non Spanish speaking Caucasian shoppers in the traditional Wal Mart stores.