Walmart news 

Walmart plans to open 16 new health centres in Florida next year. We look at how the concept is evolving and what it means for Walmart’s business model. Almost 50 facilities operational by end of 2023 The new Walmart Health facilities will open next to existing Supercenters in Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. The retailer first launched the concept in 2019, offering primary and urgent care,...

Flipkart, the Indian online retailer backed by Walmart, is looking for further investment to expand its operation in the country. Up to $3 billion needed to compete Reports suggest Flipkart is looking to raise between $2 billion to $3 billion to expand its product range and compete with market leaders. Its non-grocery offer makes it the second largest online retailer in India after Amazon, ...

Walmart is introducing a new programme which will enable influencers and creators monetise their audiences. We look at how it’s doing this and consider whether all retailers need an influencer network. Democratizing access The new Walmart Creator platform has been developed for creators to monetise shoppable products from the retailer by creating engaging, typically video-based, content. Th...

Walmart’s acquisition of Alert Innovation is a signal that it’s ramping up its plans for automated micro-fulfillment (MFC). It’s been a long time coming. What does this move mean for Walmart, the future of MFC, and other companies in the sector? What are the impacts of the acquisition? Walmart can move at pace in this area. The deal brings new expertise to Walmart, enabling it to acceler...

Walmart is launching two different experiences on Roblox, developed to offer unique interactive content and entertainment for users of the platform. Launching on large, fast-growing platform Roblox is an immersive, 3D online platform developed to play and create new games. Accessible through desktop and mobile browsers, its predominantly used with gaming consoles. Roblox is often considered...

We look at how Walmart is partnering with a range of companies to enhance its retail media opportunities through expanding its social commerce presence. Taking advantage of social commerce growth Walmart’s retail media business, Walmart Connect, is set to pilot new programmes with a range of ‘Innovation Partners’, including TikTok, Snap and Firework. This will enable advertisers to reach sh...

Following a successful pilot, Walmart Canada is planning a nationwide roll out of its AI (Artificial Intelligence) solution for on-shelf availability. Technology will reduce out-of-stocks The technology was developed by Focal Systems, a San Francisco based company that specialises in retail automation. It uses a network of shelf-edge cameras to automatically detect availability issues (e.g....

Walmart and Massmart have reached an agreement in principle on a R6.4 bn offer from Walmart to acquire the outstanding shares (47%) in Massmart that it does not already own. Missed expectations Walmart initially acquired a 51% stake in Massmart in 2011. While it was seen as a long-term investment in the region, to capitalise on a significant growth opportunity, the deal hasn’t lived up to i...

As part of a continued build-out of benefits within its fee-based Walmart+ membership programme, Walmart is adding a new feature, Rewards, which will enable members to earn additional savings off future purchases. How it works Powered by the Ibotta Performance Network, members will be able to earn cash savings. As they search for products on Walmart.com or within the Walmart app, they’ll se...

Walmart is acquiring Delivery Drivers Inc., a key partner in its Spark driver delivery platform. Simplifying the driver experience Delivery Drivers Inc. is a specialist in last-mile contractor management, helping individual operators complete deliveries. This is an integral element of Walmart’s Spark delivery platform which powers its own deliveries and those of other businesses through its...