Walmart Boosts Bentonville with New Distribution Center Expansion

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart Inc. is set to expand its existing 1.2 million-square-foot apparel and footwear distribution center in Bentonville, submitting plans for an additional 229,000 square feet of warehouse space on a neighboring 119.77-acre plot. The site, owned by Ft. Scott Property LLC since its $2.63 million purchase in 2013, sits across from the facility at 5801 S.W. Regional Airport Blvd., which has served up to 1,000 U.S. stores since opening about 20 years ago. Walmart Director of Communications Anne Hatfield confirmed the project aims to 'increase our logistics capacity and capabilities in this market,' with NWA remaining attractive for Midwest support.[2][3][4] The expansion builds on Project Maple, Walmart's 1.25 million-square-foot distribution center -- known as DC 7842 -- that opened in March 2019 on 120 acres at 5800 S.W. Regional Airport Blvd. That facility, designed by CEI with room for 300,000 square feet of future growth, relocated operations from older DCs 7 and 8 to clear space for Walmart's massive 350-acre headquarters campus.[3][6] The headquarters, the largest corporate investment in Arkansas history, features 20 buildings, 40 miles of biking trails, an outdoor amphitheater and resort-like amenities, opening phases through 2025 to draw top talent.[1][7] While exact investment figures and job numbers remain undisclosed, the projects promise hundreds of positions in a region where Walmart employs thousands and drives Bentonville's boom. City planner Beau Thompson noted the site's 2015 rezoning from agricultural to light industrial, paving the way for industrial growth five miles southwest of Walmart's original headquarters on Walton Boulevard. As Bentonville evolves into a tech and logistics hub, 'all roads lead back to Walmart,' fueling Arkansas' economy.[1][3]