Walmart making major shopping cart change in 11 states, including Alabama

Walmart is making a shopping cart change in 11 states, including Alabama.

Caroline’s Carts, a grocery cart for kids with special needs invented by Alabaster mom Drew Ann Long, is being introduced in multiple states to allow caregivers of children and adults with disabilities to navigate shopping more easily. The carts feature larger seats front buggy seats capable of holding individuals up to 250 pounds.

“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 in a statement.

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Walmart said it will equip all Supercenters with two Caroline’s Carts and all Neighborhood Markets with at least one. In all, Walmart is ordering 8,000 carts nationwide, an amount greater than all Caroline’s Cart orders combined since manufacturing began in 2012.

Distribution is ongoing and all are expected to be in place by early 2025.

The shopping cart change is the latest move by the nation’s largest retailer to make shopping a more inclusive experience. Last year, Walmart introduced sensory-friendly hours from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. each day with lower lighting and less noise at stores nationwide.