Walmart announces major changes to checkout and payment system in America: Coming in a few weeks
Walmart is enhancing its shopping experience by investing billions in store improvements and shifting to Klarna for Buy Now, Pay Later services. The changes are set to roll out over the next few weeks, with full integration expected by the 2025 holiday season.
Walmart is making significant changes to both its in-store and checkout experiences as part of a major effort to improve customer service and increase convenience.
As part of a larger transformation, the company is modernizing its stores with new tech, sustainable practices, and expanded product selections, while also partnering with Klarna to offer flexible payment options for customers.
Walmart adapts to change experience
While Walmart has enhanced its online presence (launching Walmart+ in 2020 to compete with Amazon Prime), the company continues to focus on in-store shopping.
One significant shift Walmart has been making is improving the in-store experience. The company has invested $9 billion in store renovations, and over the next five years, it plans to either overhaul or open new locations to make shopping even more convenient.
"Walmart plans to build or remodel more than 150 stores in the next five years, alongside our ongoing remodeling program for existing stores. These efforts will represent millions in investment, benefiting both the company and local communities, and helping us serve even more customers," Walmart CEO John Furner stated.
The major checkout update for Walmart
On Monday, March 17, Walmart announced it would be changing its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) partner for checkout.
Since 2019, Walmart had partnered with Affirm, which allowed customers to pay for purchases in installments—an appealing option for larger purchases like TVs or furniture. Walmart represented around 2% of Affirm’s adjusted operating income.
"We will continue our long-term strategy of competing on products and forging sustainable partnerships," an Affirm spokesperson said.
Now, Walmart will replace Affirm with Klarna, a Swedish financial services company.
The transition will start over the next few weeks, and Walmart expects it to be fully integrated into its checkout system by the 2025 holiday season.
Klarna will offer Walmart customers BNPL options ranging from three to 36 months.
"This is a game changer," Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said. "We’re excited to help redefine checkout at the world’s largest retailer—both online and in stores."