How Much Does It Cost to Build a Walmart?

Does it cost a lot to build a new Walmart?

Across the United States, Walmarts have sprung up quickly in the past few decades. You might be wondering how much this has cost the company.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Walmart?

Depending on size, location, and many other factors, it can cost anywhere from $20 million to $90 million to build a new Walmart and get it up and running. This price often doesn’t even take into consideration eventual employee salaries!


KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • It can cost anywhere from $20 million to $90 million to build a new Walmart, depending on a variety of factors.
  • Most Walmart supercenters can begin running within 12 months of the beginning building process.
  • Walmart does not allow franchises, so you cannot own a Walmart.

Keep reading to learn even more about how much it costs to build a Walmart!

Walmart Establishing Cost Break-Down

Nobody quite knows how much money truly goes into building and creating a new Walmart Supercenter. We know it’s a lot.

Depending on the location, the size, and many other differing factors, it can cost anywhere from $20 million to $90 million for a new Walmart to be built. Often, employee salaries and other costs that come with a store opening aren’t even included in this initial price range.

Walmart has to do a lot before it can even begin building.

For example, they must first buy land. This purchasing of land will already cost millions, as Walmart needs prime real estate and a lot of it.

Then, a permit must be acquired to begin building. Again, this could cost quite a lot of money.

Once building begins, the cost of materials, construction, workers, and so many other things will make the project reach multimillion-dollar levels. 

Of course, depending on the location and other factors, the cost could quickly skyrocket!

Is It More Expensive to Build a Walmart Than a Target?

Target stores may cost a bit less to make than Walmart. Often, a Target construction can cost anywhere from $2 million to $35 million to complete.

Depending on the specific Target and the specific Walmart being compared, Walmart may be more expensive or less expensive. Both stores can vary on how much they actually cost to build, depending on where they’re located and other factors.

But it does appear that Target can be a bit less expensive to build than Walmart. This likely has to do with less square footage or land needed!

How Long Does It Take To Build a Walmart?

Walmart touts that a Walmart Supercenter can open within 12 months of building beginning. This means that it could often take only a year for workers to build a Walmart.

However, this timeframe can change. On average, a new Walmart can be built anywhere from 12 months to 24 months. It really just depends on the situation and the overall plan!

Can You Own a Walmart?

Walmart does not allow franchises. This means that you cannot own a Walmart. Instead, Walmart owns every single Walmart.

Conclusion

It can cost a lot to build a Walmart. On average, a new Walmart can cost anywhere from $20 million to $90 million to build. The overall price can change depending on location, square footage, and other factors!