FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Students and faculty at the University of Arkansas are building the future of retail by creating and testing new technologies at the McMillon Innovation Studio, a first-of-its-kind public, interactive university retail lab. The lab will promote interdisciplinary education and collaborative research on the integration between physical and digital shopping while incorporating major business functions such as operations, logistics, buying and merchandising. 

The lab was established through the generosity of Walmart Chief Executive Officer and Sam M. Walton College of Business alumnus Doug McMillon and his wife, Shelley. 

"Customers want a shopping experience that blends seamlessly into their lives, and that requires a constant focus on new technologies and services," Doug McMillon said. "We hope this lab will spark great ideas, create a community around retail innovation and demonstrate the incredible possibilities of a career in the industry."