SHOP TALK
Walmart eyes H-E-B's tortilla turf with $1.89M San Antonio revamp
Walmart is adding a sushi stand and a tortilla bakery to its 8923 W. Military Dr. store.
Should H-E-Buddy be guarding his schoolwork? Walmart seems to be cribbing H-E-B’s distinctive formula for the almost $2 million renovation of its 8923 W. Military Dr. store in San Antonio, adding house-made tortillas and a sushi bar.
In a Facebook post, the Arkansas retail goliath provided a few details about what it promised would be an “upgraded, better shopping experience.” In addition to the (lower-case) sushiya and tortillería, Walmart teased more clearance aisles and an updated auto center waiting room. So far, there’s no word on a Wal Texas BBQ.
The Military upgrades are part of a wider remodel project Walmart is undertaking at 72 Texas stores, including nine in the San Antonio area. The main goal is to modernize the in-store and digital shopping experience with upgraded layouts, technology, and services to offer faster, more convenient shopping and delivery in as little as an hour.
In the store, customers can expect more products from brands like De’Longhi, Oura, Jessica Simpson, and Lemme, with snazzy interactive displays. Pharmacy departments will also get a glow-up, with vision centers designed for improved privacy and convenience.
On the digital side, expanded services include conveniences like free pharmacy delivery for Walmart+ members and an app that customers can use to book car maintenance and navigate the labyrinthine stores. Walmart will also take a more low-tech approach to helping customers traverse the renovation chaos.
“Look for these special signs throughout the store to see if your favorite departments have moved,” Walmart wrote in the post, which was accompanied by photos of, well, signs. “If you get turned around, just ask!”
Walmart has not shared when the rework will be completed, but it's mostly on schedule for the timeline outlined in a September 2025 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. That listing estimated that the 32,464-square-foot improvements would wrap up this September.
