Walmart Canada has announced a significant $6.5 billion investment in the country over the next five years, marking the largest expansion initiative in the company’s 30-year history in the country. The investment will fund the construction of dozens of new stores, the modernization of its supply chain, and substantial investments in its workforce to better serve Canadian consumers.
As part of its expansion strategy, Walmart Canada will open dozens of new locations nationwide, with the first five Supercentres set to launch in Ontario and Alberta by 2027. These initial openings include:
- Port Credit Walmart Supercentre (Mississauga, Ontario) – Opening in summer 2025, this location will provide a full range of products at Walmart’s everyday low prices, catering to urban consumers.
- Oakville Walmart Supercentre (Hopedale Mall, Ontario) – Expected to open in late 2025, this store will feature a complete grocery selection, pharmacy services, and a broad assortment of general merchandise.
- Three Alberta Supercentres – Planned for Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray, these locations will strengthen Walmart’s presence in Western Canada.
In addition to retail expansion, Walmart Canada is set to open its most advanced distribution facility in Vaughan, Ontario, in spring 2025. This facility aims to improve efficiency and product availability, reinforcing the company’s supply chain capabilities.
Strengthening Supply Chain Operations
Walmart Canada is also making substantial changes to its logistics infrastructure. The new Vaughan Distribution Centre will incorporate state-of-the-art automation and technology to enhance distribution efficiency.
As part of this transformation, Walmart Canada has reached an agreement with Canada Cartage, the country’s largest provider of fleet services, to acquire Walmart’s fleet business.
“Canada Cartage has deep expertise in dedicated fleet services and has been serving Canadian businesses for more than 110 years,” said Matt Kelly, Vice President of Supply Chain at Walmart Canada. “This agreement will allow us to serve customers more efficiently while providing fleet employees with new career opportunities.”
Building on Previous Investments
This latest investment builds upon Walmart Canada’s previous $3.5 billion initiative announced in 2020. Over the past four years, the company says it has modernized more than 180 stores and opened four new locations, including two in Victoria, B.C., and Montreal, Quebec. Additionally, Walmart says it has invested $800 million in new distribution centres across the country, including facilities in Cornwall, Surrey, Rocky View County, Moncton, and Vaughan.
“Across the country, we are making strategic investments in both our online and in-store offerings to enhance our relevance to more customers,” said Joe Schrauder, Chief Operations Officer at Walmart Canada. “From newcomers and urban shoppers to higher-income Canadians, more people are choosing Walmart for their shopping needs.”
Investing in Employees
Walmart Canada says it is also prioritizing investments in its workforce. In 2024, the company allocated nearly $200 million toward wage increases for frontline employees as part of its commitment to supporting long-term career growth.
“We are incredibly proud of how we continue to invest in our people,” said AnnMarie Mercer, Chief People Officer at Walmart Canada. “These investments are essential to attracting and retaining top talent as we evolve as a leading omnichannel retailer.”
With a workforce of over 100,000 associates nationwide, Walmart Canada remains one of the country’s largest employers, providing stable jobs and career advancement opportunities.
Long-Term Strategy for Market Leadership
The expansion reflects Walmart Canada’s efforts to appeal to a broader demographic. The company is enhancing its product offerings and digital capabilities to attract urban shoppers, newcomers, and affluent consumers.
“As we embark on this next phase of growth, we remain committed to offering everyday low prices, expanding customer convenience, and reinforcing our leadership in Canada’s retail sector,” said Schrauder.
Walmart Canada operates more than 400 stores nationwide, serving approximately 1.5 million customers daily. Its e-commerce platform, Walmart.ca, is one of Canada’s most visited retail websites, attracting over 1.5 million visitors daily. Since its entry into Canada in 1994, Walmart has played a key role in the country’s retail industry, supporting local communities and charities with over $750 million in donations.
New Leadership at Walmart Canada
The company also recently appointed a new President and CEO. Venessa Yates was named as the new leader of Walmart Canada earlier this month, bringing extensive experience in retail operations and strategic growth. Yates previously held leadership roles within Walmart and is expected to steer the company toward greater innovation and customer-focused solutions.
Her appointment follows the tenure of Gonzalo Gebara, who is returning to Argentina after leading Walmart Canada through key growth phases. Under his leadership, the company made significant investments in digital transformation and supply chain modernization.
