BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — New carts with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity have been rolled out at Walmart locations across multiple states, the company announced Thursday.
“Caroline’s Carts” are shopping carts specially designed with a large seat on the back to help caregivers of adults and children who have disabilities, limited mobility, or injuries more easily make their way through the store.
The carts have a seat with a capacity to hold between 35 and 250 pounds.
Each Walmart Supercenter is set to have two of these carts while Neighborhood Markets will have at least one for a nationwide total of about 8,000 carts.
According to Walmart, the Caroline’s Carts will be added to stores in 11 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
“Equipping our stores with Caroline’s Carts provides some relief to parents and caregivers who need this tool and know it’s available at their Walmart. Whether they’re caring for someone with a disability or a temporary injury, the carts support our customers when and how they need it every time they come through our doors,” Cedric Clark, executive vice president of store operations at Walmart said.
The company said the carts are part of Walmart’s continuing goal to create an inclusive shopping experience.
In 2023, Walmart brought back its sensory-friendly hours. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily, stores attempted to provide a calmer environment by turning off the radio, setting TV monitors to a still screen, and dimming the lights where possible.
Sensory-friendly hours were originally meant to be in place during only the back-to-school season but returned year-round after positive response, Walmart said in the release.
Walmart says it plans to equip all stores with Caroline’s Carts by early 2025.