Exclusive: Walmart debuts "Auto Center of the Future"
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Walmart's first "Auto Care Center of the Future" is now open in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Photo: Courtesy of Walmart
Walmart is reimagining car care with its first "Auto Care Center of the Future," debuting in Arkansas — a pilot offering smart-locker key drop and real-time app updates, the company told Axios exclusively.
Why it matters: The world's largest retailer is bringing its digital playbook to the garage to make car maintenance as easy as stocking the fridge.
Driving the news: The first modernized center opens Thursday in Fayetteville, Ark., with nine more pilots coming this year in Texas, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
- Customers can schedule tire installations on the Walmart app, check in digitally, drop off keys in a smart locker and track progress in real time while they shop.
The big picture: Walmart operates nearly 2,600 Auto Care Centers nationwide and told Axios it will evaluate customer feedback from the pilots before expanding further.
- The move deepens Walmart's omnichannel strategy, linking digital convenience to in-store traffic.
What they're saying: Tracy Poulliot, Walmart senior vice president, shopping experience, told Axios that integrating the new auto centers into the app is "combining the ease of digital, the reliability of our in-store service, and the everyday low prices our customers expect."
- Scott Bayles, vice president of automative, said Walmart is making it "easier than ever for customers to fit their car service into their schedules."
By the numbers: Walmart says online scheduling has saved shoppers a collective 6.6 million hours over the past two years.
- Tire services start at $5, and oil changes at $27, maintaining Walmart's low-price positioning.
What's next: The pilot starts with tire installations but will expand to oil changes, battery replacements and other maintenance services. Customers can currently book these services by calling or visiting their center.
The future of Walmart auto care
How it works: Here's what to expect at the revamped auto center:
- Sign into the Walmart app, navigate to "Services" and schedule your service by selecting "Auto Services."
- At your appointment time, park near the Auto Care Center and check in on the app.
- Follow app instructions to drop your keys into an assigned smart locker.
- Track your vehicle's progress in real time, then pick up your keys and pay once service is complete.
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