Walmart announced a $264 million investment package in El Salvador, highlighted by the construction of a new supercenter in Santa Tecla. The project was inaugurated with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Walmart executives, Salvadoran officials, and representatives from the U.S. and Mexican embassies.
The investment includes the opening of three new stores—Walmart Santa Tecla, a Maxi Despensa in San Miguel, and another in Chalchuapa—alongside the remodeling of existing outlets, sustainability projects, and upgrades to plants and distribution centers to strengthen its logistics network and omnichannel strategy.
“With this investment we will boost the economy, create jobs, and expand our commercial networks,” said Cristina Ronski, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Walmart Central America. Walmart Santa Tecla will be the company’s 103rd store in the country and its seventh supercenter, creating 100 direct jobs and offering modern features such as a pickup zone for online purchases, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Javier Treviño, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Walmart Mexico and Central America, noted that the new store represents a commitment to long-term sustainability. “We want to become a regenerative company, one that not only grows but does so responsibly, inclusively, and sustainably,” he said.
The move marks a turnaround from Walmart’s 2022 plan to sell its operations in El Salvador, reinforcing its commitment to the local market where it has operated for 20 years. Walmart currently employs 4,700 people in the country across its formats Walmart, La Despensa de Don Juan, Maxi Despensa, and Despensa Familiar. About 90 percent of its products come from Salvadoran suppliers, including 135 small and medium-sized businesses and agricultural producers, with annual purchases exceeding $1.3 billion.