BENTONVILLE, AR – The reputably competitive market is looking to get a littler tighter as Walmart and other retailers hone their strategies on a specific demographic; the Hispanic consumer. In the face of its new strategies, Walmart is quickly becoming a top choice for Hispanic shoppers, according to analysts. 

“The foreign-born shopper is looking for a different shopping environment than the native-born shopper. They want special meat cuts and fresh produce,” stated Edward T. Rincón, President of Dallas-based research firm Rincón & Associates, according to Dallas News. 

Rincón recently his latest survey of Dallas-Fort Worth Hispanic shoppers, in an installment he performs every five years. Rincón’s 2016 survey shows that Hispanic areas are now flocking to the retail giant, with both U.S. and non-U.S. born Hispanic grocery shoppers putting Walmart at the top of their preferential lists. Previously, Walmart was not the top choice of the non-U.S. born Hispanic shopper. 

Walmart, according to the Dallas News, is moving further ahead in consumers' eyes than it had in 2011 in part due to specific strategies to engage Hispanic consumers, such as carrying a mix of both nationally branded items and traditionally Hispanic items. 

Store Manager Robert Rhoden stated that his Walmart store listens to what consumers want, carries items which are requested, and features Hispanic items up front. Additionally, Rhoden stated that fresh produce for making salsa is placed at the front of the store, and his Walmart continues to offer tropical fruits into October. 

Walmart isn’t alone in trying to hone in on the Hispanic Texan market, however, with H-E-B, Kroger, Albertsons, Fiesta Mart, and El Rancho Supermercado also showing as consumer favorites.

Will Walmart be expanding its Hispanic market strategies past Texas and into other demographic realms? AndNowUKnow will continue to update you as the competitive market thrives with new strategies. 

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