Walmart unveils future headquarters in Arkansas

The 14,000 people working at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, are soon to get a new home office. The American retailer has unveiled plans for a new campus, to be opened in phases between 2020 and 2024.

Walmart said in a statement that the new space was designed with the needs of the workers and the community in mind, which is why it will feature ample natural light, expanded food offerings, a fitness center and a child care facility. “Our associates want to work in an office environment that makes them better every day”, the company said.

But the campus isn’t only intended to please existing workers. The idea is to attract new talent thanks to “state-of-the-art technology and contemporary conveniences”. Sustainability efforts may also help to attract the future generation of professionals: buildings will feature regionally sourced materials, solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. In addition, Walmart says the new campus will have “thousands” of trees, shrubs and grasses to provide habitat for wildlife and bike trails for the associates.

Demolition, infrastructure and utility construction is set to begin this summer, with support and office buildings to be constructed over the next 18-24 months.

Pictures: courtesy of Walmart