Walmart Stores Add Specialized Caroline's Carts for Inclusive Shopping
Walmart has introduced Caroline’s Carts into all of its stores in Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. The specially designed carts help caregivers of children and adults with disabilities navigate its stores more easily. The retailer’s multimillion-dollar investment is part of a larger commitment to champion inclusivity and accessibility in its stores.
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 35-250 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.
“Helping our customers save money and live better is more than our mission – it’s our driving force,” said Cedric Clark, EVP 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.”
This initiative is part of Walmart's larger commitment to ensure an inclusive shopping experience.
Last year, the retailer introduced sensory-friendly hours. These hours, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily, provide a calmer environment in all Walmart stores across the United States and Puerto Rico by turning off the radio, setting TV monitors to a still screen, and dimming the lights where possible. Although the measure was originally designed to be in place during the back-to-school season, an overwhelmingly positive response led to the year-round extension of these hours.
Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit Walmart’s more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, the retailer employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart U.S. is No. 1 on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America. PG also named Walmart one of its Retailers of the Century.
