Walmart Realigns Express Format to Facilitate Development

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- The merchandising and operations of the

Express project -- the retailer's latest small store format targeting the convenience-oriented shopper -- will move to Walmart's merchandising group while the design and construction elements of this and all other formats will remain in the company's real estate division, according to a confidential memo issued by Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart's U.S. business.

Reporting on the memo, MorningNewsBeat.com, quoted Simon:
"To allow for an even greater focus on the Walmart Express format, Anthony Hucker, Vice President -- Strategy and Business Development and the Walmart Express team will move to the new Store Formats, Layouts and Space Productivity strategic business unit. Anthony will report to David [Redfield, VP, Store Formats]."

Simon reportedly detailed other changes including the promotion of Debra Layton to senior VP, store formats, layouts and space productivity, a new merchandising strategic business unit; Jay Michael, VP of store layouts and space productivity moving to store formats and reporting to Layton; and Redfield to VP, store formats, while continuing to manage Neighborhood Markets, Walmart's small grocery store concept.

In addition, Jose Antonio Fernandez was promoted to chief operating officer at Walmart Chile. These announcements were made among numerous other personnel changes in real estate, strategy and new business development.