Automation has ceased to be a futuristic promise and has become a central component of Walmart Mexico and Central America’s logistics strategy. The company announced the integration of robotic technology at its Megapark in Tepotzotlán, State of Mexico, a move aimed at accelerating e-commerce order fulfillment , improving operational accuracy, and strengthening a logistics network that already distributes millions of items nationwide .

The stakes are high. The technological solution installed at the e-commerce-focused distribution center involved an investment of over 400 million pesos (MXN) and will quadruple order fulfillment productivity, at a time when the growth of e-commerce is increasingly putting pressure on supply chains to respond with speed and accuracy.

“What we are inaugurating here today is much more than new technology. It is a new way to grow, to collaborate, to better serve Mexico,” said Gastón Wainstein, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Real Estate for Walmart Mexico and Central America, during the event held at the logistics complex in the State of Mexico.

The executive explained that the operation incorporates “goods-to-person” and “pick-to-person” systems , whereby robots transport products directly to associates, avoiding long journeys within the warehouse and concentrating tasks at consolidation and dispatch stations. “This allows us to prepare many more orders faster, more safely, and with complete accuracy, combining the best of automation with the talent of our people,” he stated.

The automation of the Megapark is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Walmart’s logistics infrastructure in Mexico, supported by a network comprised of three Fulfillment Centers located in the State of Mexico (Tepotzotlán), Guadalajara, and Monterrey, in addition to five omnichannel distribution centers in Mexicali, Chihuahua, Culiacán, Villahermosa, and Mérida. These facilities not only process e-commerce orders but also supply physical stores in their respective regions . Furthermore, 61 Last Mile Hubs are responsible for connecting merchandise with the end consumer daily.

From Tepotzotlán, along with its fulfillment centers and omnichannel network, the company distributes millions of items to e-commerce customers throughout Mexico. In the State of Mexico alone, Walmart operates distribution centers in Cuautitlán, Chalco, San Martín Obispo, Santa Bárbara, and its own Megapark, in addition to more than 460 stores.

Cristian Barrientos, CEO and president of Walmart Mexico and Central America, stated that this logistical transformation responds to the need to more intelligently connect the company’s physical, technological, and human network . “The automation here at the Megapark e-commerce distribution center is precisely that connection made real. It marks a turning point in how we supply and deliver to our millions of customers,” he noted

The executive noted that Walmart has more than 3,300 stores in over 600 cities across the country and more than 200,000 associates in Mexico, a structure that is now seeking to enhance itself with technology to support the growth of e-commerce. In this context, he highlighted that the company announced investments of 43 billion pesos in Mexico and Central America this year, directed towards infrastructure, new stores, supply chain, and technology.

Part of that investment will be concentrated in the State of Mexico. Barrientos announced that Walmart will invest more than four billion pesos in the state during the 2026-2027 period , where it currently employs approximately 33,000 associates. More than two thousand people work at the Megapark e-commerce distribution center alone .

The logistical importance of the State of Mexico was also underscored by state authorities. Laura González, the state’s Secretary of Economic Development, described the project as “a materialized investment that transforms the way e-commerce operates in our country,” while also defending the state’s position as “the logistical heart of the country . “

The official highlighted that the logistics sector in the State of Mexico grew 12.8% annually during 2024, exceeding the national average, and that it comprises 2,945 logistics-related businesses and more than 716,000 jobs. “We not only participate in national logistics, but we lead its expansion,” she stated.

Similarly, Horacio Duarte Olivares, Secretary General of the Government of the State of Mexico, affirmed that every investment in logistics infrastructure represents greater job opportunities and economic dynamism for the state . “Thank you very much for trusting in the State of Mexico and making it possible for our economy to grow,” he expressed.

Beyond automation, Walmart made it clear that the goal is to build a scalable operation to support the growth of e-commerce in Mexico. “Today, this opening marks the transition from traditional logistics to automated and robotic logistics ,” Wainstein summarized. “I think I’m not mistaken in saying that there is no other operation with this level of automation in the country.”

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El cargo Walmart de México is robotizing its Megapark in Tepotzotlán apareció primero en T21.

Due to strong sales performance in its stores in Mexico, Walmart de México y Centroamérica (Walmex) reported total revenues of 241 billion 520 million pesos (mdp) in the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25) , representing a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite weak consumer spending in the country, the retailer indicated that it obtained a gross profit of 59,774 million pesos in the cycle, an increase of 4.1% compared to the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), when it was 57,408 million pesos.

In its results report sent to the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) , Walmex specified that its operating cash flow was 25,266 million pesos, an increase of 3.3% over the same period last year.

In contrast, the firm’s net profit fell 9.2% to 11,747 million pesos in the aforementioned period; while EBITDA was 25,266 million pesos, an increase of 3.3 percent.

Meanwhile, the supermarket chain’s overhead costs rose by 4.5%, driven by growth investments in new stores, technology, and the value proposition for associates.

In Mexico, sales grew by 5.6% to reach  200,567 million pesos in the period compared to 190,018 million pesos in the same period but in 2024; EBITDA was 21,490 million pesos, an increase of 3.8 percent.

“Our focus remains on what we can control and on accelerating market share gains, as demonstrated by our third-quarter results in Mexico. We are continuing with our investment plans to achieve long-term sustainable growth,” said Cristian Barrientos, CEO of Walmart Mexico and Central America.

Meanwhile, sales in Central America totaled 40.953 billion pesos , representing a 2.5% increase in Q3 2025 in countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. EBITDA was 3.776 billion pesos, a 0.4% increase.

Walmart Mexico and Central America highlighted that  Bait , its telephone service, reached  23.5 million active users during the period, and specified that its e-commerce business  in Mexico grew 20%, driven mainly by On Demand , and in Central America it increased 38%.

In Q3 2025, Walmex opened 23 stores, 19 of which were Bodega Aurrera. The company now has 3,214 stores in Mexico and 936 in Central America.

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El cargo Sales in Mexico boost Walmart’s revenue apareció primero en T21.

Due to strong sales performance in its stores in Mexico, Walmart de México y Centroamérica (Walmex) reported total revenues of 241 billion 520 million pesos (mdp) in the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25) , representing a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite weak consumer spending in the country, the retailer indicated that it obtained a gross profit of 59,774 million pesos in the cycle, an increase of 4.1% compared to the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), when it was 57,408 million pesos.

In its results report sent to the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) , Walmex specified that its operating cash flow was 25,266 million pesos, an increase of 3.3% over the same period last year.

In contrast, the firm’s net profit fell 9.2% to 11,747 million pesos in the aforementioned period; while EBITDA was 25,266 million pesos, an increase of 3.3 percent.

Meanwhile, the supermarket chain’s overhead costs rose by 4.5%, driven by growth investments in new stores, technology, and the value proposition for associates.

In Mexico, sales grew by 5.6% to reach  200,567 million pesos in the period compared to 190,018 million pesos in the same period but in 2024; EBITDA was 21,490 million pesos, an increase of 3.8 percent.

“Our focus remains on what we can control and on accelerating market share gains, as demonstrated by our third-quarter results in Mexico. We are continuing with our investment plans to achieve long-term sustainable growth,” said Cristian Barrientos, CEO of Walmart Mexico and Central America.

Meanwhile, sales in Central America totaled 40.953 billion pesos , representing a 2.5% increase in Q3 2025 in countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. EBITDA was 3.776 billion pesos, a 0.4% increase.

Walmart Mexico and Central America highlighted that  Bait , its telephone service, reached  23.5 million active users during the period, and specified that its e-commerce business  in Mexico grew 20%, driven mainly by On Demand , and in Central America it increased 38%.

In Q3 2025, Walmex opened 23 stores, 19 of which were Bodega Aurrera. The company now has 3,214 stores in Mexico and 936 in Central America.

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El cargo Sales in Mexico boost Walmart’s revenue apareció primero en T21.

Walmart Mexico and Central America  described the results of Hot Sale 2025 as “outstanding ,” recording a 28% increase in the total value of merchandise sold through its digital self-service channels.

According to the retailer , thanks to Walmart Fulfillment Services, they were able to deliver 95% of orders on time, while on the marketplace , 85% of orders were delivered in less than 48 hours in major cities in Mexico.

“The results of Hot Sale 2025 are a clear testament to our omnichannel market leadership. They demonstrate that seamlessly integrating the physical and digital worlds is resonating with consumers,” said Ignacio Caride , CEO of Walmart Mexico and Central America.

During the online sales campaign, which ran from May 26 to June 3, one in three customers purchased from Bodega Aurrera , both in-store and online, the company said in a statement.

In the first few hours, the “ Bodega Aurrera en Línea ” platform grew by double digits in download volume, sales on digital channels of general merchandise, extended catalog, pantry and groceries, compared to Hot Sale 2024.

As for Sam’s Club , six out of 10 members shopped at this store, achieving double-digit growth in traffic both in the club and online.

Walmart Supercenter , meanwhile, achieved sustained growth in traffic and sales across all regions of Mexico. Meanwhile, Bait , its telephone service, registered over 60% growth in new lines.

“At Walmart Mexico and Central America, we achieved outstanding results during Hot Sale 2025. Our efforts focused on driving key differentiators such as low prices, a wide range of products and services, and fast deliveries,” the company emphasized.

The company has more than 3,100 physical stores in Mexico and a supply chain with 21 distribution centers to meet consumer demand.

According to its first-quarter 2025 report, the retailer saw a  6.5% increase  in consolidated revenue, with sales of 239.161 billion pesos (mdp) during the period.

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El cargo Hot Sale drives Walmart’s e-commerce growth apareció primero en T21.

Despite the uncertainty generated by the United States tariffs, Walmart de México y Centroamérica (Walmex) reported a 6.5% increase in its consolidated revenues to 240,975 million pesos (mdp) during the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25), compared to the same period in 2024, when it was 226,194 million pesos .

In its report submitted to the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) , the retailer indicated that this increase was driven by growth in both regions: 2.9% in Mexico and 3.5% in Central America, as well as by the depreciation of the Mexican peso and by new stores, which contributed 1.6% to the total increase.

Walmex highlighted that as of March 31, 2025, it operated 4,099 units in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, and Nicaragua, through self-service stores, membership-based price clubs, and omnichannel sales.

During the first quarter of 2025, Walmart opened 20 new stores, 67% more than in the same period last year.

Of the new openings, 17 were in Mexico, one in Costa Rica, one in Guatemala, and one in Nicaragua, representing approximately 21,000 square meters of additional sales floor space and contributing 1.6% to total sales growth during the quarter.

The retailer noted that its operating cash flow (EBITDA) also increased by 1.9% in the first three months of the year, reaching 25.091 billion pesos .

The company’s net profit was 12.317 billion pesos in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 6.6% increase compared to the first quarter of last year.

Regarding operating profit, Walmart saw a 1.5% decrease , totaling 18.889 billion pesos compared to 19.170 billion pesos achieved in the same period in 2024.

In Mexico, gross profit rose 3.6% to 46.968 billion pesos in the period compared to 45.353 billion pesos in the same period in 2024.

EBITDA in the first quarter of 2025 was 20,852 million pesos , a decrease of 1% compared to 1Q24.

In Central America, Walmart recorded EBITDA of 4.239 billion pesos in the first quarter of the year, representing a 1.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Its gross profit in that region was 11.107 billion pesos during the period, a 4% increase compared to the first quarter of last year.

Meanwhile, total revenue increased 3.5% year-over-year, driven by 1.9% growth in same-store sales and a 1.6% contribution from new stores.

Walmart Mexico and Central America highlighted that Bait , its telephone service, reached 19.8 million active users and generated 2.3 billion pesos in revenue during the quarter.

During that period, it stated that its e-commerce business grew 17% due to a 26% increase in On Demand , while its marketplace registered an 8% increase .

In its report, it highlighted that they continue to grow faster than establishments that make up the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores (ANTAD) and estimated that it will begin to see a gradual increase in the following quarters and a more solid consumer environment in 2026.

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El cargo Store openings boost Walmart’s revenue growth apareció primero en T21.

Walmart de México y Centroamérica (Walmex) announced its plans to invest more than six billion dollars (approximately 125 billion pesos) in Mexico by  2025 during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference on Thursday.

Ignacio Caride, the company’s CEO and general manager, revealed that with this investment, Walmex plans to open more stores in Mexico this year in its Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter, and Walmart Express formats, generating approximately 5,500 direct jobs.

These stores will join the more than 3,200 already existing in nearly 700 municipalities across the country’s 32 states.

In addition, this investment will support Walmart’s more than 200,000 direct and permanent jobs in the country.

Additionally, Walmex will continue to advance the construction of two state-of-the-art distribution centers in the Bajío and Tlaxcala regions, equipped with robotics and artificial intelligence technology.

On the other hand, on Walmex Day 2025 , Ignacio Caride announced that this year the company plans to make an investment in Capex (capital goods) in Mexico and Central America of approximately 41.8 billion pesos, which represents an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.

Walmex will be investing strategically in customer-focused projects and strengthening the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.

In this regard, 41% of the investment will be allocated to remodeling and maintenance of existing stores , with the goal of incorporating new capabilities, including omnichannel functions, and ensuring the best shopping experience for customers.

Thirty percent of the investment will be allocated to the construction of new stores and clubs , in line with the guidance given during the event to open more than 1,500 stores, representing more than 1.4 million square meters of sales floor space, over the next five years.

By 2025, new stores are expected to contribute between 1.5% and 1.7% to total sales growth . The primary growth vehicle will continue to be Bodega Aurrera.

Eighteen percent of the investment will be allocated to expanding and modernizing the supply chain through automation, with the goal of increasing growth capacity and providing better customer service.

Eleven percent of the investment will be allocated to strategic e-commerce and technology projects that will enable a better shopping experience through digital platforms, enhance and improve analytical capabilities to better understand customers, and increase automation in stores and distribution centers, boosting productivity.

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El cargo Walmart announces 2025 investment in Mexico; 18% will go to the supply chain apareció primero en T21.

In order to avoid “abusive practices” and close legal loopholes that allowed some companies to evade taxes, as of January 1, Mexicans who make purchases on e-commerce platforms and receive them through a parcel or courier company pay a 19% tax, which, according to specialists, is a necessary measure, however, it affects the consumer, who pays said tax and also represents a blow to logistics companies.

Chinese companies such as Shein and Temu were also affected, as the new tariff applies to products from platforms in countries with which Mexico does not have trade agreements.

Fiscal measures against abusive practices

The  Tax Administration Service (SAT)  published the General Rules of Foreign Trade in the  Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) , a document in which it detailed, among other points, that it will increase controls at customs to avoid abusive practices. This comes after the Ministry of Economy accused some officials of allowing the entry of merchandise without the proper tax declaration.

According to this regulation, companies that offer transportation, accommodation or leasing services through digital platforms must register in the Federal Registry of Taxpayers (RFC) . In addition, they will pay taxes such as VAT (Value Added Tax) and ISR (Income Tax), and issue invoices at the request of users.

The measure also disrupts platforms such as Amazon and Walmart , although American companies have advantages due to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) .

Under the USMCA, a 17% tariff is allowed for products worth $50 to $117 , while items priced between $117 and $2,500 maintain a 19% tax . Products worth $1 to $50 are exempt from the tariff .

Something that must be considered in this type of transaction is that, if the amount imported is between one thousand and two thousand five hundred dollars , the importer must be registered without the need for a customs agent.

Goods that are difficult to identify , such as those that come in powder, liquid, pharmaceutical presentations, or those that due to their characteristics require a physical or chemical analysis, are not permitted in this packaging scheme.

Also prohibited are those items listed in the General Import and Export Tax Law (LIGIE) , such as vapers, as well as goods from the automotive sector, including spare parts and others.

To address this new measure, the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) announced the name or reason of the courier and parcel companies that obtained the registration referred to in rule 3.7.3 of the General Rules of Foreign Trade, which are the following:

Aplus Logistics , Carlogic Express, Conejo Corriendo (J&T Express) , Control y Comercio Valem, Foreign Trade Services Coordinator, DHL Express Mexico , Estafeta Mexicana , Federal Express Holdings Mexico and Company , Imile Delivery Services Mexico , Sifra Integrator, Mastiff Group, Mex Buy , Fiscalized Precincts of the Northeast, Redpack, Rapid Delivery, TMM Almacenadora , United Parcel Service of Mexico and Weldex Trading.

The SAT reiterated that products entering Mexico through courier companies from nations without trade agreements , such as the e-commerce platforms Shein and Temu, will be subject to this new tariff.

It should be remembered that last October , the SAT had already announced some modifications to combat abusive practices by foreign online trading platforms operating in Mexico , in order to increase tax collection, reduce tax evasion and avoidance, and combat corruption.

With the new regulations that came into force on January 1 , foreign platforms have great challenges to adapt to these provisions and make their operations transparent and comply with their tax obligations in Mexico.

According to Manuel Díaz, president of SupplyChain de México and Target Consulting , companies specializing in international trade and supply chains, this tax is a “necessary” measure to balance competition between local and foreign importers.

“Although it has a direct impact on the consumer, it is essential to avoid abusive practices and promote more regulated trade. However, the risk of promoting informality and smuggling is latent if customs controls are not reinforced,” Díaz stressed.

He also noted that international platforms must assume the same tax responsibilities as Mexican companies , including registration with the RFC and payment of VAT.

Díaz stressed that the success of this measure will depend largely on the government’s ability to implement effective customs controls and combat informal trade.

Challenges for international platforms

For its part, Shein , one of the most popular Chinese e-commerce platforms in Mexico, stated that they are prepared to adapt to this new regulatory framework.

A company spokesperson said that, in addition to complying with Mexican tax obligations, its business model based on on-demand technology and flexible supply chains will allow it to maintain affordable prices for its customers.

“We are committed to respecting local laws while continuing to offer quality products at competitive prices,” the company spokesperson said.

This new tax also introduces significant logistical challenges . Companies specializing in international trade will have to optimize their processes to comply with regulations while facing possible delays in customs clearance.

Additionally, it has been established that digital platforms must declare and pay the corresponding taxes , as well as guarantee the traceability of the goods.

Among the most affected sectors is the textile sector , where Chinese imports have had a significant impact on the national industry.

This situation has led the government to implement, in addition to the 19% tax, a 35% tariff on textile products until 2026, as part of a strategy to strengthen the local industry.

Although this fiscal policy aims to increase tax revenue and protect the national economy , experts warn that its proper implementation will be key to avoiding adverse effects, such as the growth of informality.

 “While this measure may represent an additional cost for consumers, its proper implementation could translate into a fairer competitive environment and a more robust domestic market,” added Manuel Díaz.

In an environment where e-commerce is consolidating as a key driver of the Mexican economy, the challenge for the government will be to balance fiscal regulation with the promotion of a competitive and efficient market. The decisions taken now will set the course of a sector that will define the present and future of global trade in Mexico.

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El cargo 19% tariff: the end of cheap shopping on digital platforms? apareció primero en T21.

The Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece) sanctioned Walmart Mexico after determining that, for 13 years, the company used its market power to impose abusive conditions on its suppliers in the distribution of food, beverages, and hygiene and cleaning products.

According to Cofece, these illegal practices gave it undue advantages over other self-service stores, especially affecting small and medium-sized suppliers and harming competition in the sector.

Among the behaviors identified, Walmart imposed discretionary discounts on its suppliers, forcing them not to offer better conditions to other stores , which restricted competition and limited the possibility of other stores offering attractive prices, which impacted both suppliers and Mexican families.

Meanwhile, Cofece imposed a fine on Walmart and ordered measures that will be in effect for ten years, such as not retaliating against suppliers for their business relationships with other stores.

Walmart may also not impose prices or conditions on its suppliers that limit competition, not require information on prices or conditions that suppliers offer to other stores, and not apply discounts without the supplier’s express consent.

In addition, Cofece imposed obligations on Walmart to update internal policies and contracts to align with the resolution , establish a communication channel to report irregularities, and implement a compliance program on economic competition with a high-level official.

Cofece assured that these measures seek to guarantee fair competition in the market, allowing self-service stores to negotiate freely with suppliers and compete on equal terms to benefit Mexican consumers.

The agency will oversee compliance with the ruling for a decade, with the possibility of imposing fines of up to 8% of Walmart’s revenue for non-compliance.

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El cargo Cofece Fines Walmart for Abusive Practices Against Suppliers apareció primero en T21.

Walmart Mexico and Central America (Walmex) reported that it has strengthened its logistics network to serve its more than five million daily customers during this sixth edition of El Fin Irresistible , a seasonal event typical of the largest self-service store chain that began on November 7 and will end on November 20.

Walmex moved more than 1.5 billion boxes of products this year , with 3,065 stores and clubs, 21 distribution centers and an expanding last mile network.

With more than 31 thousand postal codes covered, 17 omnichannel routes and 34 delivery stations, Walmart de México y Centroamérica has strengthened its logistics, with 1.2 million square meters of facilities.

Walmex recently announced the laying of the first stone of what will be its 34th distribution center in the region , located in the municipality of Silao, Guanajuato, which will have the capacity to serve more than 600 stores and clubs in Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

The group has also made some improvements to its technology, such as the introduction of robots to speed up order picking, as well as X-ray systems to ensure correct shipments of high-value items.

In this regard, the group has made use of its distribution centers in Chihuahua, Mexicali and Villahermosa to cover omnichannel demand, which are already enabled for last-mile deliveries.

Walmart Mexico and Central America operates with a team of more than 18,500 associates , guaranteeing efficient supply in all its stores and clubs throughout Mexico.

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El cargo Walmart Strengthens Its Logistics Network for “El Fin Irresistible” apareció primero en T21.

The digitized world has impacted commerce and the way consumers acquire their products, increasingly directing focus towards e-commerce. Uriel Quintana, Director of Supply Chain Omnichannel Acceleration for Walmart de México y Centroamérica (Walmex), tells T21 that in this journey towards omnichannel (combining physical and digital channels), customer service and their high delivery expectations represent a challenge for companies.

Although Mexico is a country where, even traditionally, its population continues to shop through physical channels, more than half of the people already shop online, with approximately 68 million buyers in 2023, according to Statista estimates, making it crucial for companies to venture into omnichannel.

Therefore, a central part of Walmex’s strategy for several years has been to grow its digital channels, which are becoming increasingly relevant to its business: in the first quarter of 2024, the digital channel accounted for 6.6% of the company’s total sales and grew by 25% compared to the first quarter of 2023.

But how has Walmart faced the challenges posed by omnichannel? The retail giant has developed a strategy based on leveraging all its infrastructure and technology to provide its digital customers with a better experience, especially in delivery.

“We are aware of this flexibility that our customers seek; it is one of the logistical challenges we have been very clear about,” says Uriel Quintana.

Walmart has three digital channels: On Demand, where customers can shop and receive their purchases in minutes; the extended catalog, with products that are generally not in-store; and the marketplace, where sellers complement the customer experience with their products, even breaking borders by bringing products from other countries.

To meet the demand of the digital channel, Walmart has a robust logistical muscle that it has been able to leverage…

El cargo Walmart: Omnichannel Growth Phase apareció primero en T21.