Walmart is stepping up its international ambitions with a bold $6 billion investment plan in Mexico, marking one of its most significant moves in the global retail landscape in 2025. T
his development is not just a regional play, but part of a broader strategy to cement Walmart’s dominance in emerging and high-growth markets through modernized infrastructure, digital integration, and localized retail solutions.
Walmart's $6 Billion Bet on Mexico
In April 2025, Walmart de México y Centroamérica announced a record-breaking investment of over $6 billion to expand its operations in the country, aiming to add 1,500 new stores by 2030.
This move will generate approximately 5,500 direct jobs in 2025 alone, reaffirming the retailer’s long-standing commitment to the Mexican market, where it already operates more than 3,200 stores.
The investment will be directed toward both physical expansion and technological enhancements. Walmart plans to build two cutting-edge distribution centers—one in the Bajío region and another in Tlaxcala—equipped with artificial intelligence and robotics capabilities.
These hubs are expected to significantly streamline inventory flow and bolster the retailer’s supply chain resilience across the region.
A notable component of the strategy includes a continued emphasis on local sourcing. More than 83% of the products Walmart sells in Mexico are sourced domestically, supporting around 30,000 Mexican suppliers, many of them small and medium-sized enterprises.
This deepening of local ties not only boosts the national economy but also helps Walmart fine-tune its offerings to meet local consumer preferences.
Expanding in Chile Amidst Economic Complexity
Walmart is also making substantial moves in South America, particularly in Chile, where it has committed to a $1.3 billion investment over the next five years.
The focus of the Chilean initiative is to fortify Walmart’s omnichannel retail capabilities by upgrading existing stores, building new formats, and enhancing its online delivery systems.
Despite recent economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures in the country, Walmart remains confident in the Chilean market’s long-term potential. Its investments are geared toward making its operations more agile and responsive to changing consumer behavior, especially the shift toward e-commerce and hybrid shopping models.
The initiative aims to position Walmart as the dominant retail player in Chile by offering a seamless online-to-offline customer experience.
A New Era of Growth in Canada
In Canada, Walmart has committed to a five-year investment of C$6.5 billion (approximately $4.5 billion USD), representing its most ambitious growth plan since entering the market three decades ago.
The announcement signals a major expansion push that includes the construction of several new Supercentres and the modernization of its logistics infrastructure.
Construction is already underway on a new, state-of-the-art distribution center in Vaughan, Ontario, set to open in Spring 2025. This facility will act as a linchpin for Walmart’s logistics network in Eastern Canada, helping to accelerate fulfillment times and meet growing consumer demand for next-day delivery.
In tandem, Walmart is scaling up its last-mile delivery capabilities through a newly announced partnership with Canada Cartage. The initiative reflects the retailer’s increasing reliance on third-party logistics solutions to bolster operational efficiency and customer convenience. It also signals a move toward more dynamic delivery models as part of Walmart’s broader digital transformation.
Targeted Growth in Central America
Walmart’s international strategy also extends to Central America, where it has unveiled separate but aligned investment plans in Guatemala and Costa Rica.
The company will spend $700 million in Guatemala and another $600 million in Costa Rica over the next five years. These capital injections are aimed at expanding Walmart’s store network, building distribution hubs, and strengthening its logistics capacity.
The company’s confidence in the region is underpinned by strong performance indicators. Walmart has reported double-digit same-store sales growth in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras—an encouraging sign that its low-price value proposition continues to resonate in these markets.
The investments are expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly increase Walmart’s footprint in a region that still holds considerable growth potential.
Strategic Foundations: Omnichannel, Supply Chain, and Localized Retail
Taken together, these investments represent a cohesive global strategy rooted in omnichannel retailing, advanced supply chain development, and localized execution.
Walmart is working aggressively to blur the lines between its physical and digital offerings by integrating e-commerce into its store networks. Whether through app-based shopping, store pickup options, or faster home deliveries, the retailer is committed to building a flexible ecosystem that responds to evolving consumer expectations.
Another cornerstone of the strategy is supply chain modernization.
Across markets, Walmart is deploying artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated warehousing systems to streamline inventory management, reduce delivery times, and lower operational costs. These enhancements are central to maintaining Walmart’s competitive pricing advantage while improving overall service quality.
Equally critical is Walmart’s localized approach. In every market where it operates, Walmart tailors its product assortment, pricing strategies, and supplier relationships to local needs.
This is especially evident in Mexico, where the emphasis on local sourcing and regional supplier networks helps the company remain cost-efficient while supporting community development.
Financial Outlook and Market Confidence
Walmart’s international operations are delivering strong financial returns. In its latest fiscal year, Walmart International reported a 9.1% increase in net sales and a 17% rise in operating income in constant currency terms.
The company has also set ambitious goals for the coming years, aiming to reach $200 billion in gross merchandise value while doubling both its profits and its digital sales mix by 2028.
These gains highlight the effectiveness of Walmart’s strategy and the importance of international markets to its future. As U.S. retail growth stabilizes, Walmart’s overseas ventures are becoming a central pillar of its global revenue engine.
Conclusion: A Global Strategy Anchored in Local Strength
Walmart’s latest wave of international investments underscores a deliberate and well-calibrated strategy focused on future-proofing its business. By investing billions in Mexico, Chile, Canada, and Central America, Walmart is aligning its operations with the realities of a more digital, dynamic, and globally interconnected retail environment.
The company’s approach—balancing cutting-edge innovation with deep local integration—suggests that its global footprint will only continue to grow, firmly rooted in both scale and adaptability.
