Walmart is reimagining car care with its first "Auto Care Center of the Future," debuting at its Mall Avenue store in Fayetteville — 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 opened yesterday 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.

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.

Read about how it works

Arkansas farmers stand to lose hundreds of dollars per acre this year on corn, cotton, rice and soybean crops, according to the University of Arkansas' System Division of Agriculture via Arkansas Advocate.

The big picture: Surging input costs, high interest rates, oversupply and stalled trade are squeezing profit margins — threatening both livelihoods and rural economies.

• Family farms are facing their worst crisis since the 1980s, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders told a Rogers crowd in mid-September.

By the numbers: According to UA Division of Agriculture research, Arkansas farmers can expect losses per acre of:

• $273.71 for corn.
• $352.75 for cotton.
• $258.84 for long-grain rice.
• $85.02 for soybeans.

"The agricultural economy right now is probably in one of the most depressing states that I've seen in my career."

What we're watching: Rollins indicated that President Trump's administration would look for ways to help farmers financially; however, much of the relief built into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act won't be seen until next year.

• Reuters reported that a $15 billion package could be floated in Congress as early as this week, but the ongoing government shutdown will likely delay any action.

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🌸 Plans are underway to restore Bud Walton's former home on Central Avenue in Bentonville and open part of it as a botanical garden. (The Bentonville Bulletin)

⚖️ Tyson Foods proposed paying $55 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging the company fixed beef prices by conspiring with other meatpackers to limit supply. (Meatingplace)

🗳️ The Fayetteville City Council voiced its support for a $350 million bond election next year. An ordinance formally setting the date for the election could come to the council for a vote on Oct. 21. (Fayetteville Flyer)

🍗 AQ Chicken House plans to reopen in spring 2026 on West Emma Avenue in Springdale. The restaurant closed in 2023 after 75 years at its location on North Thompson Street in Springdale. (Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

NWA has a full slate of festivals this weekend.

🎤 Momentous — This two-day electronic music and arts festival starts today at The Momentary in Bentonville. Get a two-day pass for $150, tonight-only for $100 or tomorrow-only for $100.

🌮 NWA Hispanic Heritage Festival — Enjoy food trucks, music and vendors from noon to 5pm tomorrow at Luther George Park in downtown Springdale.

🥃 Fayetteville Tequila Fest — Sample tequilas and dance to Latin music starting at 4pm tomorrow at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville. Get tickets starting at $70.

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