Walmart has quietly launched a new kind of store in the U.S. — but this time, you are not allowed in. These “dark stores” look like regular Walmart stores on the inside, but only workers are allowed through the doors. If you are wondering why, here is everything you need to know about this new retail twist.
What is a Walmart dark store?
If you have searched, “What is a dark store?” you are not alone.
A dark store is basically a regular store that is not open to the public. It operates more like a mini warehouse. You cannot shop there, walk around, or even see any signs from the outside. But inside, workers are busy picking and packing popular online orders.
Here is what makes these stores different:
- No Walmart signs outside
- No customers allowed in
- Stocked with in-demand online items
- Designed to fulfill online orders faster
The first one quietly opened in Dallas, Texas. Another is being set up in Bentonville, Arkansas, where Walmart’s headquarters is located.
Why can’t the public enter these Walmart locations?
This is one of the biggest questions people are asking. The answer is simple: Walmart wants to get your online orders to you faster.
So instead of having workers shop inside a busy store with other customers around, these dark stores let workers pick items quickly without any distractions.
Think of it this way —
- No crowds
- No long checkout lines
- No delays
- Just quick, behind-the-scenes order packing
It is all about improving speed and efficiency. According to a source familiar with the Dallas dark store, everything inside is set up like a normal Walmart, but there is no signage because there is no need — you are not going in.
How does this help Walmart compete with Amazon?
Walmart has been playing catch-up with Amazon when it comes to fast online delivery. Amazon has been ahead for years, especially with its Prime service.
To close that gap, Walmart launched Walmart+ in 2020. It is a subscription that offers free delivery from stores on orders of $35 or more. Here is how it works:
- Costs $12.95/month or $98/year
- If you qualify for SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid, you can get Walmart+ Assist for $6.47/month or $49/year
- Members get unlimited free delivery
Still, Amazon Prime has way more users — around 186.3 million in the U.S., compared to Walmart+ at 34.7 million. That is a big difference. But dark stores might help Walmart shrink that gap by speeding up how fast orders get to you.
Suzy Davidkhanian, a VP at eMarketer, put it this way: These moves show that “Walmart is not a dated company… They are tech-first and tech-forward.”
Why is Walmart focusing so much on speed?
Speed is everything in retail right now. You want your items quickly. And you are willing to pay for it. That is why Walmart is investing in tech and ideas like dark stores.
Here is what you should know:
- More customers are ordering online
- They expect fast delivery
- Walmart wants to keep up
- Dark stores are one way to make that happen
Walmart also has a major advantage — about 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart or Sam’s Club. That makes delivery even faster when orders are fulfilled close to your home.
Are more dark stores coming?
Right now, Walmart is just testing them. There is no official word yet on how many will open or where they will be. But if this experiment goes well, do not be surprised if more pop up in other cities.
This could become Walmart’s new way of doing business — quietly, efficiently, and completely out of sight.
