Walmart Introduces New Inclusive and Accessible Shopping Carts Across All Arkansas Locations
Bentonville, Arkansas. — Walmart has rolled out new carts with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusion in 11 states, the firm revealed on Thursday.
“Caroline’s Carts” are shopping carts constructed with a wide seat on the back to assist caregivers of people and children with impairments, restricted mobility, or injuries in navigating the store.
The carts have a seat that can handle between 35 and 250 pounds.
Each Walmart Supercenter will have two of these carts, while Neighborhood Markets will have at least one, totaling approximately 8,000 carts countrywide.
Walmart plans to expand Caroline’s Carts to shops in 11 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
“Equipping our shops with Caroline’s Carts brings some respite to parents and caregivers who require this item and know it is available at Walmart. “Whether they’re caring for someone with a disability or a temporary injury, the carts help our customers when and how they need it every time they walk through our doors,” said Cedric Clark, Walmart’s senior vice president of store operations.
Walmart stated that the carts are part of their ongoing efforts to offer an inclusive shopping experience.
In 2023, Walmart reinstated its sensory-friendly hours. From 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. daily, retailers tried to create a calmer ambiance by turning off the radio, setting TV monitors to a still screen, and lowering lights whenever possible.
Sensory-friendly hours were originally intended to be available only during the back-to-school season, but were extended year-round due to excellent feedback, Walmart stated in the statement.
Walmart intends to equip all stores with Caroline’s Carts by early 2025.