The CAP 1 position at Walmart, formally known as Customer Availability Program 1, is the first shift in the store’s daily operational cycle. This role focuses on ensuring merchandise is organized and placed onto the sales floor before primary business hours begin. The core function of the CAP 1 team is to ensure that shelves are fully stocked and ready for customers, maximizing product availability. This morning team sets the stage for the entire retail day, linking backroom inventory and the customer experience.
Understanding Walmart’s CAP System
CAP 1 is one component of a larger, three-part operational model designed for continuous inventory management and stocking efficiency. This system includes CAP 1 (morning), CAP 2 (afternoon), and the overnight stocking team, often referred to as CAP 3. The goal of this synchronized approach is to streamline the flow of freight, moving product quickly and accurately from the delivery truck to the sales floor. Each shift has distinct responsibilities that build upon the work of the previous team, ensuring stocking duties are handled around the clock.
Primary Responsibilities of the CAP 1 Team
The CAP 1 team begins its day by addressing any remaining freight and utilizing inventory tools to identify items needed on the shelves. A primary component of the routine involves working with “top stock,” which is inventory stored immediately above the main display shelves. Associates use rolling ladders to access this overhead storage, consolidating items and bringing down product to fill shelf voids.
Running Picks
A significant task is running “picks,” which involves using handheld inventory devices to scan backroom storage bins, a process referred to as VizPick. The device identifies overstock items needed on the sales floor based on current inventory data. Once picks are generated, the associate pulls the merchandise from the backroom, stages it on carts, and stocks the product onto the sales floor displays.
Stocking Perishables
CAP 1 associates are also responsible for the immediate stocking of time-sensitive consumables, such as dairy, frozen foods, and fresh meat products. These refrigerated and perishable items must be quickly moved to the sales floor to maintain temperature integrity and freshness for the customer. The team also finishes any general merchandise freight that the overnight crew was unable to complete, ensuring aisles are fully stocked before customer traffic increases.
Typical CAP 1 Work Schedule and Environment
The CAP 1 shift is characterized by its early morning hours, typically starting between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM, and concluding around 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM. This schedule is designed to maximize stocking efficiency when the store is empty or experiencing low customer traffic. The initial hours of the shift are fast-paced, with associates focusing on quickly moving and stocking freight without navigating crowded aisles.
As the shift progresses and the store opens, the environment transitions to include customer interaction. CAP 1 associates must adapt to working around shoppers while maintaining pace and efficiency. This requires balancing stocking tasks with providing assistance to customers who need help locating products.
Essential Skills and Physical Requirements
Success in the CAP 1 role requires a combination of organizational skills and sustained physical endurance throughout the morning shift. Associates must exhibit speed and efficiency, accurately matching products to their shelf locations and ensuring proper rotation. Attention to detail is necessary for tasks like reading labels, scanning items with the TC device, and maintaining inventory records.
The work is physically demanding, requiring associates to be on their feet for the majority of the shift, often on concrete floors. Physical requirements include the ability to lift and maneuver merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Associates are frequently required to bend, stoop, reach overhead, and push or pull heavy carts and equipment while moving inventory.
Career Path Opportunities
Experience gained as a CAP 1 associate provides a solid operational foundation that can lead to various promotion opportunities within Walmart. The daily exposure to inventory management, sales floor organization, and team productivity builds transferable skills valued by management. Associates who demonstrate leadership and efficiency can pursue roles such as Team Lead, overseeing the CAP 1 shift or another department.
The knowledge acquired regarding product flow and inventory systems makes CAP 1 associates viable candidates for specialized roles like Department Manager. Many salaried and management positions are filled by associates who began their careers in hourly stocking or operational roles. Upward mobility within Walmart’s structure allows team members to progress into broader store leadership positions.