Latriece Watkins Named CEO of Sam’s Club, Walmart’s Wholesale Arm

January 30, 2026 Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor Entertainment

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 09: Walmart U.S. Executive Vice President and chief Merchandising Officer Latriece Watkins walks onstage during a keynote address by Walmart Inc. President and CEO Doug McMillon during CES 2024 at The Venetian Resort Las vegas on January 9, 2024 in las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through january 12 and features about 4,000 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 130,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty images)

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Essence Staff
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Walmart is making a big push into personalized shopping experiences, and it’s all powered by technology.At CES 2024, the retail giant unveiled a series of innovations designed to streamline shopping and cater to individual customer needs.

Latriece Watkins,Walmart U.S. Executive Vice President and chief Merchandising Officer, highlighted the company’s focus on making shopping easier and more enjoyable. Thay’re not just selling products; they’re building an ecosystem that anticipates what customers want.

One key declaration is the expansion of Walmart’s store map. This interactive map, already available in over 4,500 stores, now includes real-time inventory information. You can see exactly where items are located and if they’re in stock before you even head to the aisle. This saves shoppers valuable time and frustration.

But Walmart isn’t stopping there. They’re also rolling out a new AI-powered shopping assistant. This assistant, accessible through the Walmart app, can help you create shopping lists, find products, and even suggest recipes based on your preferences. It’s like having a personal shopper in your pocket.

For those who prefer a more hands-free experience,Walmart is testing a new voice ordering feature. Simply tell the app what you need, and it will add it to your cart. This is particularly useful for busy parents or anyone