Wal-Mart stores in the Hudson Valley, New York State and across the country are in the midst of a name change. However, it’s a change many won’t really notice.

As of Feb. 1, “Wal-Mart Stores” will drop the hyphen and word stores from its corporate name. The company’s new legal name will simply be, Walmart.

“While our legal name is used in a limited number of places, we felt it was best to have a name that was consistent with the idea that you can shop us however you like as a customer,'' Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon said, according to USA Today. "As time goes on, customers will increasingly just think of and see one Walmart.”

So why the name change? Because of the growing number people who shop without ever entering a store.

“Whether it’s in our stores, on our sites, with our apps, by using their voice or whatever comes next, there is just one Walmart as far as our customers are concerned,” Walmart said in a press release. “Because of our growing presence as a retailer who serves customers no matter how they choose to shop.”

Now, people in the Hudson Valley probably won’t notice a difference, as every local Walmart I’ve seen has, “Walmart” branded outside the store.

However, analysts say the name change proves a change in the company’s business model.

"It signals that the way in which Walmart sees itself has shifted, and it wants to ensure that view is communicated to others," Managing Director of Retail Consultancy Global Data Neil Saunders, told USA Today. "It might focus minds internally and help aid understanding of what Walmart is trying to do as it moves into the future.”

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