Recently, it appears that Wal-Mart is beginning to open a number of small convenience stores across America. Traditionally, Wal-Mart has been synonymous with huge stores that offer everything that a household needs. The size of Wal-Mart’s stores is part of its identity. However, Wal-Mart’s new plan sees them talking a step in the complete opposite direction.

Later this year, Wal-Mart plans to open around 300 smaller convenience-style stores. Although the decision may seem strange at first, it is important to look at some current trends in our society. More so than ever, we are a time-poor society. We find ourselves always at a lack of time and as a result, we want things as quickly as possible. The scarcity of time has led to increases in certain products. Microwave meals, for example, have become increasingly popular as opposed to the traditional approach of cooking meals from scratch.

The use of convenience stores is just another example to emphasize our lack of time. Instead of spending our time strolling through the many aisles of a full-size Wal-Mart, many would prefer to quickly go in and out of a smaller tightly packed convenience store. Ultimately, Wal-Mart’s decision makes a lot more sense when we examine current trends.

Without adapting to the changes in the trends of society, businesses will inevitably lose their relevance to a consumer. Although Wal-Mart stands high above others in terms of success in the past, it knows that a successful company must grow and evolve. As consumers continue to seek out more and more convenience, Wal-Mart’s traditional structure offers less and less value. Convenience style stores will likely prove to be an unorthodox yet successful venture for Wal-Mart.