Walmart is known for its big box stores. But the retail giant’s latest partnership is the opposite of that model.
The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retail giant on Thursday said it teamed up with Getaway, a hospitality company, to open tiny retail stores at its out-of-the-way vacation spots.
The General Store by Walmart is described as a “mini-retail experience” that will sell outdoor-focused products like s’mores fixings, cast iron skillets, hiking gear, lip balm and disposable cameras, as well as goods made by local small businesses.
Walmart’s first general store is slated to open next month at a Getaway location in Wimberley, Texas, with more tiny stores planned to open throughout the year in Moodus, Conn.; Running Springs, Calif.; Roscoe, NY; and Osceola, Mo.
Getaway builds collections of super-small cabin two hours from major cities, which it calls Outposts. The cabins have kitchens and running water, but no WiFi or cell service, to help campers … get away from the modern world.
“Walmart’s partnership with Getaway furthers our mission to help people live better no matter where they are,” Walmart VP of Brand Marketing Casey Schlaybaugh said in a statement. “We are going beyond just saving people money by enabling guests to maximize Getaway’s experience and empowering them to spend more quality time with those who matter most.”
