After reporting disappointing quarterly results earlier this month (see link below), Wal-Mart says it is revamping its management structure in Canada to further improve service for customers and enhance career opportunities for associates.
Click here to read: Wal-Mart Comps and Sales Fall Short in Q1 2014
As part of the change in structure, 1,300 associates were promoted to more senior roles, about 200 store managers were added, and 750 roles have been eliminated, according to Canadian news publication The Globe and Mail.
“The new management structure makes more of our associates available during peak shopping periods when our customers need us the most,” said Wal-Mart spokesperson Alex Roberton. He added that the change “gives our associates greater access to their managers for their ongoing career development.”
The retailer has been testing this new structure in select Canadian stores over the past six months and has seen positive customer and associate feedback so far.
Speaking on the elimination of 750 jobs, Roberton tells news publication The Star that those employees will receive severance packages, professional career services and support, or can apply for other positions at Wal-Mart.
“The role eliminations make up less than 1 percent of our Canadian workforce and average out to less than two positions per store. Overall Wal-Mart Canada is a growth company and is generating many new jobs as we expand our store network and our food and e-commerce business. We will create 7,500 new jobs in Canada this year alone including trade and construction jobs,” he said.
With positive feedback so far, how might this new management restructuring help improve Wal-Mart’s next quarterly performance results? Plus, will we see similar changes in the United States?
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we keep track of any further changes.
