A Walmart store at your campground? Are we kidding? Nope. It’s happening. But technically, we are not telling the honest to-goodness truth. The fact is, the stores will soon open at “Glampgrounds,” not campgrounds as we know them, where our RVs are welcome. There is more money these days operating a campground … er … “glampground” with tents and treehouses and other stationary abodes.
But a tip: If you can find someone to bet, you might wager that WallyWorld will export the mini-stores idea to campgrounds where you and I might actually stay.
So here’s the scoop, for now, based primarily on highlights from a press release.
The retail giant is partnering with health-and-wellness hospitality company Getaway to help make “enjoying nature more convenient for travelers.” As part of the alliance, Walmart will open mini-retail “experiences” at select Getaway destinations.
Getaway offers guests, the release explains, Wi-Fi-free stays in nature at its campsite-styled Outposts, which are located less than a two-hour drive from major cities across the country. Guests can choose from fully-outfitted small cabins to fully-pitched tents, renting by the night.
“The General Store by Walmart” will make its debut in August, at Getaway Hill Country, in Wimberly, Texas, with additional locations to open by the end of the year.
The General Store will include seasonal products that are sourced from Walmart and curated by Getaway. The featured items may include hiking gear, and leisure activities equipment such as FujiFilm cameras, Lodge Cast Iron Skillets, Pendleton Outdoor Blankets and Burt’s Bees lip balms to name a few. (For the next six months, at the time of check-in, guests will also receive Welcome Kits, which will include ingredients to make the iconic camping treat: s’mores.)
The General Store will also feature goods from small local businesses, furthering Getaway and Walmart’s commitment to supporting local communities, the retailer said. The items on sale at the General Store will also be available on Walmart.com via a dedicated Getaway shopping page for travelers to shop in advance of their visit.
In addition, Getaway guests who visit any Outpost during the next year will also receive a complimentary trial of Walmart’s membership program, Walmart+.
“At Getaway, our mission is to help people disconnect and spend time in nature,” said Carlos Becil, chief experience officer at Getaway. “In partnering with Walmart, we are able to amplify our efforts to a larger audience and provide our guests with more free time, helping them prepare for their stays and enjoy the comforts of nature once they arrive.”
Additional retail General Stores will open through the end of the year at:
• Machimoodus in Moodus, Conn.
• Getaway Big Bear in Running Springs, Calif.
• Getaway Western Catskills in Roscoe, N.Y.
• Getaway Ozark Highlands in Osceola, Mo.
So what do you think about this? Please leave a comment.
##RVT1063b
Walmart to the rescue! Walmart had to do this before Dollar General (their primary competitor) did it.
This is a twist on the successful food truck. It may face a hurtle with campgrounds already having a local store. That would provide competition that Wally World thrives in. There is a definite need there.
This is brilliant. I wonder if the shopping in advance option would also include shelf stable food and other items like bread and lunch meat/cheese.
No non perishable items only and maybe freeze-dried items
Please say it ain’t so.What’s next, McDonalds?
By Jove, I think you’re on to something.
That’s ok- it’ll help bring in business and sometimes I like fries and a shake.
If you can get a shake, you hardly can get a shake now with so many machines not working
Was at a campground in Myrtle Beach that had a small McDonald’s in the summer.
I can see it now, Come one come all to McDonald’s, and get a free bundle of firewood with every Happy Meal…Lol
Not being a ‘Glamper’ and never shopping at Walmart, this doesn’t affect me. It’s just one more way that “camping” is no longer Camping.
You are so correct and more of us true campers think the same way and Thank you
I’d like to see more people “glamping” .. They could sell their newly purchased but unclean Prevost or Merc Class B and use the proceeds to really enjoy getting out there .. and a bespoke ‘general store’ to boot!
It’s time is probably here. As rv’ing evolves so will support services. I think it’s a winner for all involved.
This would be awesome! Sometimes you run out of milk, water etc.., is this going to be nation wide or certain areas?? I love the idea.
It is perfect for the glamping subset. I know more than a few folks who would order a large amount of stuff that looked good before they arrive at their ready made camping weekend. Guessing those of us reading this won’t have much need for a Pendleton blanket or organicly raised beet salad. Different strokes for different folks.
If you ever get a chance to read sam walmarts book you will find out that he supported small businesses and never wanted super centers because of how it would effect them. I don’t do glamping and never will. I am a fulltime rver and will be until I die. The idea of this is a good idea except when it involves walmart. It says in this article that they will “feature goods from small local businesses”. The question is what can they possibly feature and every time I have seen a so called featured item it has only been 1 or 2 items. Local items can only be veggies honey and jams. Walmart put the local businesses that made anything out of business. So is this a good idea I would say no and i will never use it. The sheep of this world who follow everything and everyone in the world will love this because they can’t think for themselves. Go ahead give more money to Walmart and china. I would rather drive to town and really support a local business.
HI 5 on that, Bill
Roger that.
Hey bill, My thoughts exactly!☮️✌🏻
Walmart is unwelcome at campgrounds. Nothing “natural” in Walmart. While I might get supplies at Walmart, I don’t want them in my camping experience.
Glampers need a Trader Joe’s trailer too. I wouldn’t mind that.
👍😆
I see this as a good model for campground owners and/or local business to use in serving guests. Good marketing idea.
I’m baffled.
Fine as long as they keep it to their glamping experiences and not take over campgrounds being used for rvs and tents.
Can Camping World be far behind?
I think its a good idea. It sucks when you’re camping and you need something that you didn’t bring along and you have to drive back into town while everyone else is having a good time. With this idea you can get ur item right then and there. Some campgrounds have stores but not all. This will help.
No way it will be profitable.
I can’t imagine camping or hiking in Wimberly,Tx in August! Too dang hot!
Especially this year.