Where Are Walmart Fulfilment Centers Located?

Virginia Miller

October 23, 2024

In this article

Walmart is the world's biggest retailer. Hence, it's natural that its supply chain network is humongous. The current strength of Walmart distribution centers occupies a total area of 146 million square feet while the retail stores of Walmart occupy 783 million square feet. From the first warehouse, which started functioning in 1970, Walmart's supply chain has grown and evolved by leaps and bounds. Walmart supplies all kinds of goods right from general merchandise to perishable products to its retail stores and Sam's Club stores through the network of distribution centers.

The network of Walmart distribution centers is dynamic and keeps on evolving. Thus, the suppliers of Walmart must remain updated about the list of distribution centers, stores, and clubs. Some examples of the kinds of network of Walmart distribution centers have been discussed here.

What are Walmart Distribution Centers?

Walmart distribution centers are large warehouses where products from suppliers and manufacturers are received, sorted, stored, and shipped to Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and directly to online customers. On average, each distribution center is about 1 million square feet in size. They unload approximately 200 trucks per day and employ around 600 workers. Each distribution center supplies 90-100 Walmart stores within a 150 mile radius.

Types of Walmart Distribution Centers

There are two main types of distribution centers:

Distribution centers - Receive, store, and distribute products to Walmart retail locations
Fulfillment centers - Specialized in ecommerce order fulfillment by picking, packing and shipping products directly to online customers

In total, Walmart currently operates over 150 distribution centers in the US with plans for continued expansion.

Why Suppliers Should Know Walmart Distribution Centers

Walmart organizes its distribution network based on product categories and geographic regions. It's important for suppliers to know which distribution centers handle their type of products and where they are located. This helps suppliers plan transportation and align with Walmart's fulfillment network.

Examples of Distribution Center Types

There are many specialized distribution center types, including:

Regional general merchandise
Ecommerce fulfillment centers
Specialty items like apparel, grocery, perishables
Import redistribution
Sam’s Club

For example, in the US there are:

25 ecommerce fulfillment centers
8 regional distribution centers supporting ecommerce
6 Sam’s Club ecommerce fulfillment centers
2 apparel fulfillment centers
3 import redistribution centers

Conclusion

As Walmart grows its ecommerce business, its distribution network is rapidly evolving. New fulfillment centers focused on online order delivery are opening domestically and internationally. Suppliers need to stay updated on these changes to successfully get products to the right locations.

Simpl can provide guidance on Walmart fulfillment and developing logistics strategies optimized for omnichannel retailers like Walmart. Contact us to learn more.

FAQs

How many distribution centers does Walmart have?

Walmart currently operates over 150 distribution centers and fulfillment facilities across the US.

What is the difference between a Walmart distribution center and fulfillment center?

Distribution centers receive, store, and distribute products to Walmart retail stores. Fulfillment centers focus specifically on ecommerce order fulfillment by picking, packing and shipping products directly to online customers.

What types of Walmart distribution centers are there?

There are regional general merchandise DCs as well as specialty DCs for categories like grocery, apparel, perishables. There are also ecommerce fulfillment centers, import centers, and Sam's Club DCs.

Why do suppliers need to know about Walmart DCs?

Suppliers need visibility into the distribution network to understand which DCs handle their product category and where they are located geographically to plan transportation.

How rapidly is Walmart's distribution network growing?

Very rapidly, especially on the ecommerce fulfillment side. Walmart is opening new dedicated ecommerce fulfillment centers domestically and internationally to meet online order demand.

Can third-party logistics providers help with Walmart fulfillment?

Yes, working with a 3PL like Simpl can provide expertise and support on optimizing your supply chain and logistics for omnichannel retailers like Walmart.

Where can I learn more about distribution for Walmart?

Contact the logistics specialists at Simpl to discuss your Walmart fulfillment strategy and how we can help.