Walmart Continued Commitment to Northwest Arkansas

“While Amazon Plays the Field, Walmart Stays True to Arkansas” - The New York Times

While Amazon looks to build a second large headquarters, Walmart announced it’s continued commitment to their hometown, Bentonville, AR. Walmart is building a new state-of-the-art home office on 350 acres in the same town it’s Home Office has been located in since Sam Walton had it built in 1971. This new Home Office will improve efficiency and expand on it’s digitally native work force.

Walmart will build the facility over the next several years and will house approximately 17,000 employees. While Amazon shops for “perks” in another city Walmart stays true to their roots in the heart of the Natural State.

Walmart announced “We’re proud to be a continued part of the community.” In good Walmart fashion Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO wrote about the new Walmart Home Office "I can assure you the project will be true to our roots".

The nation’s largest retailer has attracted offices of it’s major vendors to the area. The low cost of doing business in Northwest Arkansas has encouraged these vendors to build stunning office buildings with innovative architecture.

The new Home Office will be located in Bentonville on a large tract of land on the east side of J Street, between Central Avenue and Highway 102. Although many of us have seen a large amount of construction crews in this area, the project is expected to take five to seven years. Walmart’s website states they are still in the planning phase and the total cost is not projected yet.

The overall concept of the new Home Office is centered around natural light, fiscal environmental responsibility, and a healthy lifestyle for employees. Design includes fitness center, connection to the expansive walking trails in the area, and cycling access.

This new development will consolidate Walmart’s Home Office workforce from 20 buildings in the current location making operations more efficient and allowing for a better collaboration environment.

The current Home Office buildings will be apart of a continued conversation with “Northwest Arkansas leaders” according to Walmart’s press release , and used to “move the region forward”.

Dan Bartlett, the Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs told 40/29 News , "one thing that should be clear in the minds of the local community is that we aren't going to abandon this part of town. This is something, which whatever happens here...the entire community can be proud."

"Today's announcement from Walmart is great news for Arkansas. I'm delighted with the company's continued commitment to our state, and the new headquarters will stand as a testament to that fact. As for the new location, I cannot think of a more appropriate place than near Downtown Bentonville. As a native of Benton County, I am thrilled with this announcement.” -Statement to local news 40/29 by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson

"We intend to bring most of our Home Office associates in Northwest Arkansas onto a central campus with accommodations for a more digitally native workforce and space that encourages greater collaboration and speed... The combined changes will help us get the most out of our existing team, while helping us attract high-quality talent in the future. " -Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO ( Let's Go Win! )

“This will get everybody together and will help us attract the next generation of talent to compete.” -Walmart corporate spokesman Randy Hargrove via TB&P

Walmart is in good company with it’s continued commitment to the Northwest Arkansas community. Check out more about expanding Headquarters with J.B. Hunt’s expansion here.