Don’t worry, Walmart isn’t replacing all the familiar metal carts with blue handles. Shoppers won’t need to bring their own homemade shopping carts (although it would make for an interesting sight). The iconic Walmart shopping cart will remain. In fact, it will have company from another type of cart –named Caroline– in all Walmart locations, starting in early January.

Cedric Clark, Walmart’s executive vice president of store operations, emphasized that these new carts are designed to make shopping more convenient and accessible for caregivers and people with disabilities or temporary injuries.

So, what exactly is a Caroline’s Cart?

Caroline’s Cart is a specially designed shopping cart with a built-in, wide seat. Unlike standard carts made for young children, this cart is designed to accommodate both children and adults comfortably. With a low center of gravity and a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds, it provides a secure seating option for individuals with mobility challenges while they shop.

According to Technibilt, “Caroline’s Cart was created for individuals with special needs. It gives caregivers a practical way to transport someone with special needs through a store, eliminating the challenge of handling both a wheelchair and a traditional shopping cart at the same time.”

Unlike standard shopping carts, which can only hold up to 40 pounds and have height limitations, Caroline’s Cart offers a much more practical and inclusive design. It features two side handles instead of a single bar, making it easier for both the shopper and the seated individual to get in and out or steady themselves while shopping.

Walmart has long focused on meeting the needs of its customers. For example, the retailer now provides grocery delivery in many locations. Subscribers to Walmart+, which costs $12.95 per month or $98 annually, can enjoy free delivery on orders over $35, fuel discounts, and faster delivery options. Home delivery has become an excellent solution for people who can’t drive or are too busy with family obligations.

In November 2023, Walmart introduced sensory-friendly shopping hours to improve the in-store experience for customers with sensory sensitivities. Every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., all U.S. and Puerto Rico Walmarts dim their lights, turn off radio systems, and only display static images on TVs. That way, they reduce stimulation levels for sensitive shoppers who need less sensorial input during their daily lives.

Similar initiatives from other retailers worldwide have been well-received. Walmart’s inclusive policies have received positive feedback from both the spectrum community and regular shoppers alike.

Where can you find Walmart’s new carts?

The nationwide rollout is expected to be completed by early 2025. Walmart Supercenters will have two Caroline’s Carts, while Walmart Neighborhood Markets will also carry at least one each. In total, the giant retailer while provide their 4,614 stores with 8,000 special carts in the US.

That said, customers nationwide are eager for these carts to be available in all Walmart locations. According to data from Technibilt, one in five Americans lives with a disability, and six million school-aged children have disabilities. Providing accommodations for these individuals is not only expected to improve the shopping experience but also build stronger customer loyalty.

Throughout 2024, Walmart has been focusing on the needs of customers with mobility challenges. In addition to introducing Caroline’s Carts, the company announced a new same-day prescription delivery service in October 2024.

As hundreds of Walgreens and CVS stores close across the U.S., Walmart is stepping in to fill the gap, particularly in communities left without nearby drugstores. This service aims to make accessing medication easier for people with disabilities or limited transportation options.

Although Walmart generates 60% of its annual revenue from grocery sales, the company has focused on health wellness during the last few years. With this highly profitable sector growing, Walmart is running to take advantage of the widespread Walgreens and CVS closures.