Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart has introduced Caroline’s Carts into all its stores in several states: Arizona, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. The specially designed carts help caregivers of children and adults with disabilities navigate Walmart stores more easily. The retailer’s multimillion-dollar investment is part of a larger commitment to champion inclusivity and accessibility in all its stores.
“Helping our customers save money and live better is more than our mission — it’s our driving force,” says Cedric Clark, executive vice president of store operations at Walmart. “Equipping our stores with Caroline’s Carts provides some relief to parents and caregivers who need this tool and know it’s available at their Walmart. Whether they’re caring for someone with a disability or a temporary injury, the carts support our customers when and how they need it every time they come through our doors.”
The nationwide initiative extends Walmart’s dedication to creating an inclusive shopping experience. Last year, the retailer successfully introduced sensory-friendly hours. These hours, from 8am to 10am daily, provide a calmer environment in all Walmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico by turning off the radio, setting TV monitors to a still screen and dimming the lights where possible. Originally designed to be in place during the back-to-school season, the overwhelmingly positive response led to these hours being extended year-round.
Caroline’s Carts are designed for caregivers supporting a wide array of people including those with disabilities, children, seniors and people with limited mobility or injuries. The seat has a capacity to hold 35 to 250 pounds. Walmart plans to equip all Supercenters with two Caroline’s Carts and all Neighborhood Markets with at least one, totaling about 8,000 carts nationwide. Distribution is ongoing, with all stores scheduled to be equipped with the carts by early 2025. The order from Walmart this year is greater than all Caroline’s Cart orders combined since manufacturing began in 2012. (Caroline’s Carts are manufactured at Wanzl North America in Denver, N.C.)
To view a video of Caroline’s Carts in action at a Walmart store, see below:
Walmart Inc. has more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. For more information, visit www.corporate.walmart.com.
SOURCE: Walmart Inc.