Walmart announced on Thursday that it has implemented new trolleys that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility at its locations in numerous states.
“Caroline’s Carts” are shopping carts that have been specifically engineered with a spacious seat on the rear to facilitate the navigation of the store for caregivers of adults and children with disabilities, limited mobility, or injuries.
The carriages are equipped with a seat that can accommodate a weight of 35 to 250 pounds.
For a total of approximately 8,000 trolleys nationwide, each Walmart Supercenter will have two of these carts, and Neighborhood Markets will have at least one.
Walmart has announced that Caroline’s Carts will be implemented in 11 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
Walmart is reintroducing sensory-friendly hours to its stores across the country.
“The provision of Caroline’s Carts in our stores offers some relief to parents and caregivers who require this tool and are aware that it is available at their Walmart.” “The carts provide our customers with the assistance they require, regardless of whether they are caring for a temporary injury or a person with a disability,” stated Cedric Clark, Walmart’s executive vice president of store operations.
Walmart stated that the carts are an integral component of its ongoing initiative to establish an inclusive purchasing experience.
Walmart reinstated its sensory-friendly hours in 2023. Stores endeavored to establish a more tranquil atmosphere by deactivating the radio, setting TV terminals to a static image, and dimming lights whenever feasible from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily.
Walmart stated in the release that sensory-friendly hours were initially intended to be implemented exclusively during the back-to-school season. However, they were brought in year-round in response to the favorable reception.
Walmart intends to install Caroline’s Carts in all of its stores by the beginning of 2025.