Walmart store Models used in Canada

Here's a list of the different models of new built Walmart stores used in Canada from the 90s to present day. This post will only mention known Canadian Walmart models that Walmart built themselves in Canada and not one offs. With that out of the way, let's get on with the post. 

Note: Images featured here are from third-party sources and are attributed as such.

Basic types of Walmart

For those who aren't familiar with the basic models of Walmart, there are 2 main types of models, Discount (or Division 1 as the retail community calls it) and the Supercentre model. The Supercentre model comes in two different models, single entrance smaller "hometown" stores built in smaller towns or areas that are not able to support a large Supercentre, and dual entrance full sized Supercentres that more commonly built.

90's model (Pylon)

The Canadian division's first model, the 90's model is the most famous model of Walmart with the iconic rectangle entrance with "pylons" to the left and right of the entrance. I'm not sure if any exist in Canada as there weren't very many new built Canadian stores during this era and the ones they made were expanded into Supercentres. One difference between the US and Canadian models are that the Canadian ones have warehouse ceilings instead of the drop ceiling of the US stores. Here's an example US store of this model on Mike Mozart's Flickr.

Modified 90's model (Triangle Gabled Entrance)

This model is the same as the Pylon used previously. This model was used in the 2000s until around 2006. The diffrence between this and the Pylon model is the entrance is triangular instead of a square façade. This is the most common model for a Division 1 store and many still operate in these stores as "hometown" Supercentres due to the stores being land locked. Some have also been expanded into full Supercentres. Here's a example of a store of this model. Most didn't come with the solanum shown in the below image. 

By Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87063372

Gabbled "Always" model (2006)

The Triangle "Always" model was commonly used in the US in the early 2000s and was introduced in Canada in 2006 when Walmart expanded their Supercentre concept into Canada. Some early stores use this model, which had triangle entrances with fake windows that would usually say "Always", Walmart's slogan at the time in the US. However, the Canadian stores didn't have the Always wordmark in the window, but had custom signage seen only in the Canadian division. Here a photo from of what one these stores looked like in their original form.

By Theonlysilentbob at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4131255

Early impact (2007-2008)

These Supercentres were built between 2007-2008 and are the second more common ground up Supercentre model Walmart used in Canada. These stores had a beige exterior much like impact stores in the US did, but with the old logo. These stores usually have Pre Impact as their original decor package. They also have the pharmacy located in the centre of the store near grocery. They look something like this.

Arch model (2008-2015)

Here's the "latest" model the Canadian division used. Introduced in Canada between 2008 to the mid 2010s, this is the Impact Era model with arches over each entrance on scratch built stores. The pharmacy was moved back to its standard position beside the general merchandise entrance. Also, the Vision Centre moved to the area behind the pharmacy facing the GM entrance. They look like this.

Box model (2013-present)

Walmart started to build a new model of store in the US where it's in a more boxy format with awnings over each entrance. This model started to be used during the Cheep Impact era of Walmart and continues to be used today. Some stores between 2013-2016 in the US were either built with this model of the older arch model depending on when they were planned and approved. I'm not sure if Walmart built any new stores in Canada recently as most new stores are in former Target stores. Here's a photo on I_dawg 2000's Flickr of this model.

That's all the major  known models of stores Walmart uses in Canada. Sorry if some information is incorrect.

Until next week, DZ